Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin
Habits of High Performers is a podcast for people who want to win at life without burning out or losing what matters most.Each week, James Laughlin sits down with world class performers including prime ministers, elite athletes, billionaires, founders, and cultural leaders to uncover the habits, thinking patterns, and daily disciplines that drive sustained success.These are not hype driven conversations. They are practical, grounded, and deeply human. The focus is on what actually works when it comes to performance, health, leadership, relationships, and meaning.Hosted by James Laughlin, author of the #1 best selling book Habits of High Performers...
How to Get Better at Change with Curtis Bateman
In this episode I sit down with Curtis Bateman, change expert, author and FranklinCovey leader, to explore how we can navigate uncertainty and become more adaptable in times of change.
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience, Curtis shares why change can feel so uncomfortable, the stages we move through when our lives are disrupted, and how we can learn to see opportunity on the other side.
What we cover:
Mental Toughness Is a Skill, Not a Gift with Dr Braden Brown
In this episode I sit down with Dr Braden Brown, Director of Mental Health at BYU and mental performance specialist, to explore the mental skills that help us perform at our best.
Drawing on his experience as a former college football player and his work with high-performing athletes, Braden shares practical tools for managing pressure, overcoming self-doubt and building mental resilience.
What we cover:
Why Productivity Advice Doesn’t Work for ADHD with Ezra DeWolfe
In this episode I sit down with Ezra DeWolfe, founder of ADHD Tools, to explore ADHD in high performers and why traditional productivity advice doesn’t always work.
Ezra shares how ADHD can affect focus, time awareness, consistency and burnout, and why understanding how your brain works can help you perform at your best.
What we cover:
Fredrik Härén : Why Your Best Ideas Come When You Stop Trying
In this episode I sit down with creativity explorer, author and global keynote speaker Fredrik Härén to explore what it really means to be creative and how we can create the conditions for better ideas.
Drawing on 25 years of studying creativity and interviewing thousands of creative people around the world, Fredrik shares why creativity can be developed, the importance of curiosity, and why we need space to turn inspiration into action.
What we cover:
Why You Procrastinate (And How to Finally Stop) with Itamar Shatz
In this episode I sit down with Cambridge University researcher and lecturer Itamar Shatz to explore why we procrastinate, what’s really happening beneath the surface, and how we can stop relying on willpower to get things done.
Together, we unpack why procrastination isn’t simply laziness, how fear, uncertainty and perfectionism can keep us stuck, and why distractions like social media are often a symptom rather than the real problem. Itamar also shares practical strategies from his book Solving Procrastination for making action easier and creating systems that work with our behaviour rather than...
Chris Barnes: The Truth About Your Genes, Health & Longevity
In this episode I sit down with epigenetic longevity strategist Chris Barnes to explore how our genes influence our health, and why our genetics don't necessarily determine our future.
Together, we unpack the science of epigenetics, how everyday choices like sleep, nutrition, movement and stress can influence gene expression, and why a personalised approach to health may be more effective than blindly following the latest diet, supplement or longevity trend.
What we cover:
Jonathan Wilson : The Mental Health Crisis No One Sees Coming
In this episode I sit down with former Navy SEAL Jonathan Wilson to explore what truly separates those who succeed under extreme pressure from those who don't, and why mental health may be the next frontier of high performance.
Together, we discuss the mindset required to survive one of the toughest military selection processes in the world, the hidden cost of elite performance, and Jonathan's deeply personal journey from combat, loss and depression to building technology that can detect declining mental wellbeing before it reaches crisis point.
What...
Why Your Nervous System Controls Your Success with Rachel Pfeiffer
In this episode I sit down with psychotherapist Rachel to explore why your nervous system may be the hidden factor shaping your success, stress and wellbeing.
Together, we unpack why high performers often live from the mind instead of the body, how unresolved patterns keep us stuck, and why slowing down can feel so uncomfortable. Rachel also guides me through a powerful live somatic exercise that completely shifted my perspective.
What we cover:
Jason Koster on Mental Toughness, Discipline & Elite Performance
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with New Zealand Commonwealth Games medallist, international judo representative, and high-performance coach Jason Koster to explore what it really takes to sustain excellence over decades.
We discuss the power of simple daily habits, mental resilience, visualisation, coaching with empathy, building high-performing teams, setting uncompromising standards, and why success is built by focusing on the process rather than the outcome.
Whether you're leading a team, striving for personal excellence, or navigating a challenge of your own, this...
Dr. Anna Marie Frank: The Hidden Signs Your Nervous System Is Burnt Out
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with functional health expert Dr. Anna Marie Frank to explore how your nervous system, mindset, and body work together to shape your health, energy, and performance.
We discuss the hidden signs of stress, practical ways to regulate your nervous system, improve sleep and gut health, overcome burnout, and harness the power of your thoughts to influence your wellbeing.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, looking to optimise your health, or simply wanting to perform at your best, this...
How to Build a Strong Body for Life | Jerzy Gregorek
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with four-time world champion weightlifter and creator of the Happy Body programme, Jerzy Gregorek, to explore why the best life is built through hard choices, daily discipline, and relentless self-improvement.
Jerzy shares the mindset that has guided him from escaping communist Poland to becoming one of the world's leading experts in longevity, strength, and healthy ageing. We discuss the power of micro-improvements, lifelong learning, building a resilient body, and why strength, flexibility, and consistency matter more than ever as we age.<...
The Truth About Sauna, Cold Plunges and Longevity | Bill Gifford
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with bestselling author and health journalist Bill Gifford to explore the science of heat therapy and why sauna has been a cornerstone of health and longevity for thousands of years.
Bill shares insights from his new book Hot Wired, explaining what happens inside the body during heat exposure, the surprising research behind sauna and cardiovascular health, the role of heat shock proteins, and why the Finnish approach is far less about biohacking and more about community, relaxation, and everyday wellbeing. We...
How to Beat Jet Lag (Backed by Science) | Andrew Herr
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with performance scientist and health strategist Andrew Herr to explore what air travel really does to your body and how to minimise the impact of frequent flying.
Andrew explains the hidden effects of altitude, inflammation, jet lag, gut health and fatigue, while sharing practical strategies to improve recovery before, during and after a flight. We also discuss nutrition, hydration, compression, sleep, blue light, hotel recovery, and the science behind his Fly Kit protocol.
Whether you travel...
Why Change Feels So Hard (Even When It's Good) Travis Hahler
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with leadership strategist and author Travis Hahler to explore the neuroscience of change and why resistance isn't something to fight, it's something to understand.
Travis shares practical insights from his new book Rethink Resistance, explaining why all change involves loss, how our brains respond to uncertainty, and what leaders can do to help people navigate transformation more effectively. We discuss habits, psychological safety, AI, curiosity, and the beliefs that help individuals and organisations adapt in a rapidly changing world.
<...
The Secret to Building Mental Strength with Amy Morin
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with bestselling author, psychotherapist, and mental strength expert Amy Morin to explore what it really means to build resilience, overcome anxiety, and develop lasting mental strength.
Amy shares practical strategies for handling stress, managing worry, building confidence under pressure, and taking ownership of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. We discuss the habits that weaken mental strength, why gratitude and hope are powerful tools for resilience, and how small daily practices can have a profound impact on your wellbeing and performance.
<...Kieran Read on Leadership, Pressure and High Performance
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Kieran Read to explore leadership, pressure, performance, and the habits that helped him become one of the greatest All Blacks captains of all time.
Kieran shares lessons from legendary coaches Steve Hansen and Scott Robertson, the routines and reflection practices that fuelled his success, and how great leaders inspire belief, build trust, and bring out the best in others.
We also discuss mindset under pressure, self-talk, mental resilience, learning from mistakes, and the leadership principles...
Why Hustle Culture Is Failing Us | Mohammed Faris
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Mohammed Faris to explore a different approach to productivity, one rooted in purpose, faith, and long term thinking rather than hustle culture.
Mohammed shares the story behind the Productive Muslim movement, the meaning of Barakah, and how habits, gratitude, prayer, generosity, and community can help us live and perform at a higher level without burning out.
We also discuss early morning routines, spirituality, meditation, purpose, emotional wellbeing, and why so many people are searching for...
The Daily Habits of Mentally Strong Leaders | Graeme Cowan
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Graeme Cowan to explore what it truly means to lead with care, resilience, and emotional intelligence in high pressure environments. Graeme shares his personal journey through severe depression and burnout, and how that experience shaped his mission to help leaders build healthier, more sustainable ways of working and living.
We dive into the core ideas behind his latest book, Great Leaders Care, including self care, crew care, and red zone care. Graeme shares practical tools for improving wellbeing, building psychologically...
Why Your Nervous System Controls Your Performance with Dmitri Leonov
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Dmitri, founder of the One Device, to explore the connection between frequency, stress, nervous system regulation, and human performance. We dive into how sound and light therapy may help bring the body back into balance, improve recovery, support focus, and create a greater sense of calm and wellbeing.
Dmitri shares the philosophy and science behind the wearable device, along with insights on meditation, HRV, stress management, flow states, and the impact modern life is having on our nervous systems.
...
Dr Elie on Ozempic, Weight Loss, and Living Longer
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Dr Ellie, longevity expert and wellness strategist, to explore what truly moves the needle when it comes to living longer, healthier, and stronger. We cut through the noise of biohacking trends, supplements, and wellness hype to focus on the fundamentals that matter most: movement, nutrition, recovery, sleep, and muscle.
Dr Ellie shares why biology dictates reality, how small daily decisions shape long term health, and why muscle is the true longevity organ. We also dive into practical habits for better s...
The Real Reason You Delay Important Things with Dr. Christine Li
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Christine Li, procrastination coach and psychologist, to explore why procrastination is far more than just putting things off. We unpack the real cost of delay, how it disconnects us from the present moment, and why it often pulls us away from the path that matters most.
We dive into the emotional roots of procrastination, the role fear and anxiety play in keeping us stuck, and how to recognise when we are quietly moving in the opposite direction of what we t...
Dr Monique Andrews : You’re Not Your Anxiety & Here’s Why
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Monique Andrews, an expert in embodied neuroscience, to explore how the body and brain work together to shape our thoughts, emotions, and performance.
We dive into why you are not a slave to your stress, anxiety, or physiology, and how simple practices like breathwork and somatic tracking can rapidly shift your state and rewire your nervous system.
Dr. Mo breaks down the five core rules of the body, why pain is often an alarm...
The Morning Routine That Actually Works (No BS)
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Caroline to unpack something simple but powerful… your morning routine.
We dive into why your morning sets the tone for your entire day, how habits become hardwired over time, and why most people overcomplicate routines and then struggle to stick to them.
We explore what actually works, from building a routine that fits your lifestyle, to the importance of movement, journaling, and creating discipline over relying on motivation.
If you wa...
The Money Habits That Separate Broke People from Wealthy Ones | Mike Michalowicz
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Mike Michalowicz, one of the world’s leading thinkers on behavioural finance and the bestselling author of Profit First.
We dive into the ideas behind his latest book, The Money Habit, and why financial success is far less about knowledge and far more about habits and systems.
Mike explains why most people struggle with money, how our brains are wired to spend the moment income arrives, and the simple six account structure that can bring cl...
The Habits Olympians Use to Stay Mentally and Physically Elite with Annie Kunz
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, you’ll learn what it really takes to perform at the highest level when the pressure is relentless, the stakes are high, and there is no room to hide. Olympian Annie Kunz shares the mindset, habits, and systems that helped her go from talented athlete to Olympic heptathlete, and why mastering your inner world is often the true difference-maker.
We break down the power of mindfulness, journaling, identity, gratitude, and daily repetition. Annie opens up about learning to surrender, how she trained her brain to...
How to Release the Beliefs Holding You Back with Tim Shurr
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, you’ll learn how to release the hidden “parking brakes” holding you back by upgrading the beliefs driving your habits, emotions, and performance. Tim Shurr, MA shares his “mind architect” approach and why one simple shift can create fast, lasting change.
We break down how the subconscious influences most decisions, how to uncover blind spots, and two questions you can use to replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones. We also explore why focusing on what you do not want backfires, how your brain works like a GPS...
How To Improve Your Sleep and Energy Without Changing Your Habits | Seth Casden
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, you’ll learn how to improve your sleep, recovery, and daily energy without adding more to your routine by tapping into passive infrared textile technology that works in the background. Seth explains how this infrared technology enhances circulation, oxygenation, and thermal regulation just through the clothes and bedding you already use.
We break down the science in plain language — including what infrared does at a cellular level and why increasing circulation matters for performance. Seth also shares how this technology is already embedded in prod...
Tom Le Noble on High Performance When Life Gets Hard
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Tom, the number one best selling author of My Life in Business Suits, Hospital Gowns and High Heels, to unpack what it really looks like to live fully when life gets uncertain.
Tom shares the private chapters behind his public success, including building a senior corporate career while quietly living with metastatic cancer. We talk about resilience as a muscle, “terrible gifts”, and why belief and personal agency can change everything when the odds are against you.
Breaking Binge Eating Habits with Nicole Gaviria
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Nic from Binge Free Bestie to unpack why binge eating is so common in high performers, and why it so often stays hidden behind success.
Nic shares her own recovery story, the binge restrict cycle, and how shame and perfectionism keep people stuck. We also explore why binge eating has no “look”, why quick fix tools do not work long term without mindset and nervous system work, and how to build real food freedom.
If you’v...
The Morning System Behind Millions of High Performers | Hal Elrod
In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Hal Elrod, the creator of The Miracle Morning, to unpack the habits, mindset, and personal responsibility that shape extraordinary lives.
Hal shares the life defining moments that forged his philosophy, from being declared dead after a high speed car crash, to rebuilding his body, career, and identity from the ground up. We explore stoicism in action, radical acceptance, and why daily personal development is not optional if you want sustained success.
...
The Habits That ACTUALLY Lead to Sustainable Weight Loss
In this first episode of Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Caroline to explain why the podcast has evolved from Lead On Purpose and what this new chapter is really about. We talk habits over hustle, consistency over intensity, and why real performance is built quietly over time.
What we cover:
Robbie Paul on The Truth About Venture Capital No One Explains Clearly
In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Robbie Paul from Icehouse Ventures to demystify venture capital and what it really takes to back world class founders. We unpack risk and reward, bootstrapping versus raising capital, the traits behind standout leadership, and why trust and honesty are non negotiable in a long game industry.
What we cover:
The Money System Most Kiwis Don’t Question and Why They Should with Sam Stubbs
In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Sam Stubbs, founder of Simplicity, to unpack why simplicity is the ultimate performance advantage. In life. In leadership. And especially with money. We talk about dignity, choices, long game thinking, and how KiwiSaver could help build a fairer future for everyday Kiwis.
What we cover:
Thomas McClary: I Walked Four Blocks to School While Police Stood By
In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Thomas McClary, founding member and lead guitarist of The Commodores, to unpack how purpose, love, and intention can carry you through adversity, shape world class success, and keep you grounded when life gets loud.
What we cover:
Why You Don’t Need Millions to Retire with Mary Holm
In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Mary Holm, author of Rich Enough, to unpack how everyday Kiwis can build wealth simply, avoid common money traps, and focus on what actually leads to a rich life.
What we cover:
Stop Doing Everything Yourself and Start Scaling Properly with Elise Basillie
In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Elise Balsillie from Thryv to unpack what small and medium businesses can do to keep up with the pace of AI, automation, and digital change, without losing their culture, their margins, or their sanity.
What we cover:
Why High Performers Win Big and Still Feel Empty with Dr. Jack Groppel
Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goal
In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Dr Jack Groppel, co founder of the Human Performance Institute, to explore the hidden cost of achievement, and what it really takes to win in your career without losing yourself and the people you love.
What we cover:
The Money Framework the Wealthy Use with Chris Naugle
Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals
In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Chris Naugle to unpack why money feels awkward for so many people, and how to shift from scarcity and stress into clarity and control.
What we cover:
Is Social Media Harming Your Kids? What Every Parent Needs to Know with Cecilia Robinson
Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals
In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Cecilia Robinson, serial entrepreneur and Co chair of B416 (Before 16), to unpack what’s driving the youth mental health crisis and what parents can do about it.
- Why is anxiety rising so fast in young people?
- What happens when we over protect kids in the real world and under protect them online?
- How do you...
The Framework for Making 2026 Your Best Year Yet
Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals
I’m breaking down my exact goal-setting system and the annual planning method I use with my private clients to help them stop starting over and actually follow through.
This episode is about clarity, alignment and action. Not hype. Not motivation. And not beating yourself up when things don’t go to plan.
I walk you through the thinking behind my annual reset process and explain how to reflect on t...
