Prestige Performance
By Jimmy Williams
Listened in 70+ countries. Get in touch: jimmy.williams@outlook.ie
Prestige Performance Sep 04, 2023
#61 Mickey Joe Harte: Early musical influences, winning You're A Star and achieving high performance live
Jimmy is joined by Irish singer songwriter Mickey Joe Harte to chat about his early musical influences, winning You're A Star in 2003, achieving high performance live, songwriting and more.
Get in touch: jimmy.williams@outlook.ie
Instagram: @prestigeperformancepod
Twitter: @prestige_pod
#60 René Meulensteen - Optimising High Performance at Man Utd
Jimmy is joined by former Manchester United coach René Meulensteen to chat about his new book "United, Sir Alex & Me" and his time at the club as a coach and assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Click here to buy René's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/United-Sir-Alex-Me-Football-ebook/dp/B0CF3VX2RV/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1692731150&refinements=p_27%3ARen%C3%A9+Meulensteen&s=books&sr=1-1
#59 Jason Smyth: The fastest Paralympian on the planet
Jimmy is joined by Jason Smyth, an individual who is no stranger to high performance; unbeaten throughout a career spanning 19 years. The third fastest man in the history of Ireland. 6 Paralympic Gold Medals. 6 European Championship Gold Medals. A 9-time World Champion. In this episode, Jason reflects on his career and the key aspects needed to achieve high performance in the key moments.
#58 Dr Martin Turner: Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy
Jimmy is joined by BPS Chartered & HCPC Registered Sport & Exercise Psychologist Dr Martin Turner. In this episode, Martin talks about integrating a counselling framework called Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy into Sport Psychology Consulting. In this episode, he speaks about what REBT is at it's core, the origins of REBT as a therapeutic intervention, the four types of "irrational" beliefs proposed in REBT and disputing techniques practitioners can use in their one-to-one work with athletes to develop more useful, functional beliefs.
Links to Martin's books (they are well worth checking out): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Martin-Turner/e/B00MD0WP3K?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1683216792&sr=1-1
#57 Sean Tobin: The fastest Antarctic marathon runner in history
Jimmy is joined by another Clonmel man, Sean Tobin, to chat about the "unique conditions" posed in the recent Antarctic marathon he ran, setting a world record in the process. More, we chat about dealing with ANTS (automatic negative thoughts) that arise during long-distance running, the power of journalling to build self-awareness and setting process goals around the aspects of Sean's performances that he can control.
Prestige Performance has been nominated in the Sport Podcast Awards 2023. The podcast has been shortlisted for best Performance, well-being & fitness podcast. Here is the link to vote: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-performance-and-wellbeing-podcast/?fbclid=IwAR1xJsLhcUk7SXR9o3YyB48H79LjnpqorqPEAwlm7SZsR1naJvFpZp8mkTg. To vote, you need to create an account, log in, look for "best performance, well-being & fitness podcasts," look for "Prestige Performance," click the thumbs up to vote and scroll back up to submit your vote.
Get in touch: jimmy.williams@outlook.ie
#56 Ruairí de Leastar: "Being in the moment" key to high performance
Jimmy is joined by Clonmel singer-songwriter, Ruairí de Leastar to chat about performing live, the process of song writing and the key ingredients needed to achieve high performance as a gigging musician.
Prestige Performance has been nominated in the Sport Podcast Awards 2023. The podcast has been shortlisted for best Performance, well-being & fitness podcast. Here is the link to vote: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-performance-and-wellbeing-podcast/?fbclid=IwAR1xJsLhcUk7SXR9o3YyB48H79LjnpqorqPEAwlm7SZsR1naJvFpZp8mkTg. To vote, you need to create an account, log in, look for "best performance, well-being & fitness podcasts," look for "Prestige Performance," click the thumbs up to vote and scroll back up to submit your vote.
Get in touch: jimmy.williams@outlook.ie
#55 Shauna O'Keeffe: "I plan on being World Champion."
Jimmy is joined by 4 times Irish boxing Champion & Irish Senior Boxing Champion 2023, Shauna O'Keeffe. In this episode, Shauna chats about her victory last weekend, learning from setbacks and her key ingredients needed to achieve high performance.
Get in touch: jimmy.williams@outlook.ie
#54 Nick Littlehales: Elite Sport Recovery Coach: Optimising Sleep
Jimmy is joined by Elite Sport Recovery Coach, Nick Littlehales to chat about optimising sleep. Nick has worked with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid, England and Team GB. In this episode, Nick speaks about common sleep myths, reframing our perception of sleep and the idea of introducing "Controlled Recovery Periods" into our day.
Nick's website: https://sportsleepcoach.com/
Link to Nick's books: https://sportsleepcoach.com/collections/all-products
Get in touch: jimmy.williams@outlook.ie
#53 Psychoeducation: Unhelpful Thinking Styles
In this podcast, I chat about Unhelpful Thinking Styles, also known as "Cognitive Distortions" which are a key part of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Cognitive distortions are exaggerated patterns of thought that are not based on facts and can result in people viewing things more negatively than they really are. It is normal to fall into these thinking habits on occasion, especially when feeling down. But when a person consistently and repeatedly uses cognitive distortions, they can often cause themselves a great deal of emotional distress and their mental health can suffer.
Get in touch: jimmy.williams@outlook.ie
#52 Lee Lawrence: The United upbringing "taught you to be a decent human being."
Jimmy is joined by former Manchester United defender and 2003 Youth Cup winner, Lee Lawrence. In this episode, Lee chats about his journey to becoming a professional footballer, life at United, the 2003 Youth Cup team, life after United and more.
Instagram - @PrestigePerformancePod
Enquiries: jimmy.williams@outlook.ie
#51 Bill Beswick: "Alex Ferguson asked me how do I keep United #1? Thank God I knew the answer."
Jimmy is joined by Bill Beswick, a leader in the field of Applied Sports Psychology. Bill has worked professionally with teams such as Derby County, Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Sunderland. More, he became the first Sports Psychologist operating fully in professional English football. Bill also had experience as consultant Club Psychologist to FC Twente in the Dutch Eredivisie. In this episode, we chat about his move to Manchester United, working with Sir Alex Ferguson and the nature of his applied one-to-one work with clients.
#50: Helen Scott MBE: "I think it's especially important to reflect when you've had success"
Jimmy is joined by Rio 2016 Paralympic Champion, 8 x World and 4 x Commonwealth Games Champion Helen Scott MBE. Helen chats about how she got into cycling, piloting a tandem, the idea of self reflection and gives some practical insights for both individuals chasing high performance and coaches who are supporting the process. How - as an athlete - can you take charge of your own learning? How can you make your training more focused and deliberate? Also, how - as a coach - can you ensure the individual has learned? Check it out. A really enjoyable conversation.
@PrestigePod (Twitter)
@prestigeperformancepod (Instagram)
#49 Kevin Moran: "I'd swap an All-Ireland for a league title with United"
Jimmy is joined by former Republic of Ireland and Manchester United defender Kevin Moran to chat about the transition from playing GAA with Dublin to life as a professional footballer with Manchester United.
#48 Niall Ronan: "I visualised my running lines. It gave me confidence"
Jimmy is joined by former Munster, Leinster and Ireland rugby player, Niall Ronan, to chat about growing up in Meath, the transition from GAA to Rugby, Mental Preparation in Sport, High Performance & Manchester United.
#47 United in the Seventies
Jimmy is joined by Manchester United authors and historians Roy Cavanagh MBE and Carl Abbott to discuss their latest book: The Big Manchester United Book Of The Seventies.
The Manchester United Book of the Seventies is the most comprehensive and thorough retrospective look at the decade imaginable, including match reports, player profiles, in-depth statistical information, a month by month diary, plus a multitude of rarely seen or long-forgotten photos and memorabilia.
Red Devil Talk is brought to you in association with Classic Retro Shirts. For a £10 discount off your purchase, you can use the code RDT10 when checking out. Check them out at classicretros.co.uk
#46 Sammy McIlroy: United fans: "the best in the world," leaving United was the "wrong decision"
Jimmy is joined by Manchester United legend Sammy McIlroy. 419 appearances for the Reds and 71 goals, Sammy speaks about making his debut v Manchester City aged seventeen, the difficulty of leaving United, the high of winning the FA Cup in '77 in contrast to the low of losing in '79 and answers the fan questions.
Red Devil Talk is brought to you in association with Classic Retro Shirts. For a £10 discount off your purchase, you can use the code RDT10 when checking out. Check them out at classicretros.co.uk
#45 Cora Staunton: The psychological implications of injury
Jimmy is joined by Mayo GAA legend, Cora Staunton. In an open and honest conversation, Cora speaks about her move to play AFL with the Greater Western Sydney Giants, embracing challenge, the psychological challenges of injury and achieving high performance.
Red Devil Talk is brought to you in association with Classic Retro Shirts. For a £10 discount off your purchase, you can use the code RDT10 when checking out. Check them out at classicretros.co.uk
#44 Ken Doherty: "Timid" England "tried to do an Italian job on the Italians"
Jimmy is joined by the 1997 World Snooker Champion Ken Doherty. In a jam-packed episode, we discuss the Euros, England's defeat to Italy, Conor McGregor's defeat to Dustin Poirier, all things Manchester United, Mark Selby's fourth Crucible crown and concluded by putting the listeners questions to Ken. Thanks for listening. Let me know what you think.
Red Devil Talk is brought to you in association with Classic Retro Shirts. For a £10 discount off your purchase, you can use the code RDT10 when checking out. Check them out at classicretros.co.uk
#43 Charlotte Henshaw: A "will to learn" - The cornerstone of high performance
Jimmy and Ciara are joined by Charlotte Henshaw in this weeks episode. A 3 x Paracanoe World Champion, A World Record holder, 3 time Paralympic swimmer turned sprint kayaker and Double Paralympic Medallist, Charlotte has consistently achieved high performance. In this episode Charlotte highlights "a willingness to collaborate" and a "will to learn" as key to high performance. More, we chat about self-reflection, well-being, the impact of COVID on her training and Matilda The Musical (you haven't misread that).
Red Devil Talk is brought to you in association with Classic Retro Shirts. For a £10 discount off your purchase, you can use the code RDT10 when checking out. Check them out at classicretros.co.uk
#42 Paul McShane: "I made the right decision" to leave Manchester United
Jimmy is joined by former Manchester United, West Brom, Sunderland, Reading & Republic of Ireland defender Paul McShane on this weeks episode. Paul speaks about how setbacks early in his career helped shape the player he then became, the impact of COVID-19 on life for a professional athlete and psychological challenges such as fear of reinjury. More, Paul speaks about the values he took from being in a high performance environment at United that are applicable to life away from sport, highlighting the importance of a "relentless work ethic" and a desire "to seek self improvement."
Red Devil Talk is brought to you in association with Classic Retro Shirts. For a £10 discount off your purchase, you can use the code RDT10 when checking out. Check them out at classicretros.co.uk
#41 Shaun Murphy: World Snooker Championship 2021 and the "obsessive" desire to succeed
Jimmy is joined by 2021 Crucible finalist Shaun Murphy for an exclusive RDT interview. In this podcast, Shaun chats about his run to the final of Snooker's biggest event, reclaiming his "passion" for life and highlights an "obsessive" desire to succeed underpinned by a "hunger to learn" as the cornerstones of achieving high performance.
Red Devil Talk is brought to you in association with Classic Retro Shirts. For a £10 discount off your purchase, you can use the code RDT10 when checking out. Check them out at classicretros.co.uk
#40 Sarah Storey: Skill acquisition, the "panic zone" & Imagery
Jimmy is joined by Sarah Storey on this weeks podcast. A 38 time world champion, a winner of 14 Paralympic gold medals and a world record breaker on 76 occasions, Sarah has consistently achieved elite sporting performance. We chat about skill acquisition; how and why do some athletes learn faster? More, we discuss the "panic zone" whereby athletes experience stress pre or during performance. Is there an upside to stress or is the "panic zone" to be avoided at all costs? Of course, Sarah is a big red too and we chat Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Red Devil Talk is brought to you in association with Classic Retro Shirts. For a £10 discount off your purchase, you can use the code RDT10 when checking out. Check them out at classicretros.co.uk
#39: Bernard Jackman part 2: Instilling a winning culture at Leinster, Grenoble & being resilient
Jimmy is joined by former Connaught, Sale Sharks, Leinster and Ireland rugby player, Bernard Jackman, to chat about changing the culture and mindset at Leinster to a winning one, coaching in France, his tenure in Wales with Dragons and achieving high performance.
Red Devil Talk is brought to you in association with Classic Retro Shirts. For a £10 discount off your purchase, you can use the code RDT10 when checking out. Check them out at classicretros.co.uk
#38 Bernard Jackman part 1: Achieving high performance in business and in sport
Jimmy is joined by former Connaught, Sale Sharks, Leinster and Ireland rugby player, Bernard Jackman, to chat about life post-professional athlete, the reality of life as a coach and meeting Sir Alex Ferguson. Moreover, we speak about Bernard's thesis; ''the correlation between a high performance culture in elite business and sports teams.''
Red Devil Talk is brought to you in association with Classic Retro Shirts. For a £10 discount off your purchase, you can use the code RDT10 when checking out. Check them out at classicretros.co.uk
#37 United head to Anfield as table-toppers but is Solskjaer getting the credit he deserves?
Jimmy is joined by Tipperary based journalist, Jamie O'Flaherty, to chat about United's midweek victory against Burnley. In this episode, we chat about Paul Pogba's return to form, the idea that Luke Shaw has benefited from the arrival of Alex Telles and more. Also, we look ahead to Sunday's game as United travel to Anfield to take on their old rivals, Liverpool.
Red Devil Talk is brought to you in association with Classic Retro Shirts. For a £10 discount off your purchase, you can use the code RDT10 when checking out. Check them out at classicretros.co.uk
#36 Jim McCalliog: The ''great'' Tommy Docherty, leaving United ''tore me apart'' & OGS needs a trophy
Jimmy is joined by former Manchester United midfielder, Southampton FA Cup winner and Scotland international, Jim McCalliog. In this episode, Jim chats about his admiration for the late Tommy Docherty, joining United in 1974 and leaving Old Trafford to join Southampton. More, he answers your questions, tells stories about George Best and gives his view on the current Manchester United team and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Red Devil Talk is brought to you in association with Classic Retro Shirts. For a £10 discount off your purchase, you can use the code RDT10 when checking out. Check them out at classicretros.co.uk
#35 Solskjaer has built trusting relationships, confidence in sport and Pogba's turnaround in form
Jimmy is joined by Serena Macleod to chat about United and Psychology. Serena, working with Optimise Potential, speaks about the notion of confidence in sport with regard to David De Gea, the importance of empathy and Paul Pogba's turnaround in form.
Red Devil Talk is brought to you in association with Classic Retro Shirts. For a £10 discount off your purchase, you can use the code RDT10 when checking out. Check them out at classicretros.co.uk
#34 A missed opportunity at Leicester but United's glass remains half full
Jimmy is joined by Keane Franey and Dillon Donnelly to chat about United's 2-2 draw at Leicester City on Stephens Day. More, we discuss the comments sent in from our listeners and chat about the big debate - Is Die Hard a Christmas film?
#33 Mick Conlan: Mental preparation, visualisation & defining success
Jimmy is joined by Irish boxer, Mick Conlan, to chat about the psychology of boxing, dealing with "the wait" on fight day, measuring success and more.
Twitter: @reddeviltalk_
Instagram: @reddeviltalk_
Contact: reddeviltalkmedia@gmail.com
#32 Sack Solskjaer; but bring in who? Ole is one part of a much bigger picture
Jimmy is joined by Barney Chilton, editor of the Manchester United fanzine Red News and Manchester United author and historian, Roy Cavanagh MBE to chat United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Leipzig game and more.
Link to purchase Roy's new book - Harold Hardman: A Man of Football: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08P3G2LHV/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_awdb_imm_t1_x_zov0FbCKTZ2EK
Link to purchase the latest issue of Red News: https://rednews.bigcartel.com/product/print-pre-order-278-279-double-issue-december-2020
#31 Derval O'Rourke: From athlete to business woman, motherhood & achieving high performance
Jimmy is joined by 3x Olympian and 2006 World Indoor Hurdles champion, Derval O'Rourke to chat about the transition into life post-athlete, bouncing back from disappointments, becoming a mother and achieving high performance on a consistent basis. Recorded on The Sports Haven but sharing on RDT as Derval is a huge United fan who "dreamed of being the first female to manage Manchester United."
Twitter: @RedDevilTalk_
Instagram: @reddeviltalk_
Contact: reddeviltalkmedia@gmail.com
#30 Could clinical Cavani be Manchester United's catalyst?
Jimmy is joined by Dale O'Donnell, editor of Stretty News, to discuss United's 3-2 comeback victory against Southampton. In this episode, we suggest that to remove Solskjaer as manager at this point would undo any progress the club has made. More, we chat about Edinson Cavani's impact against Southampton, Donny van de Beek and more. New episodes every week. Do let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Twitter: @RedDevilTalk_
Instagram: @reddeviltalk_
Contact/enquiries: reddeviltalkmedia@gmail.com
#29 Billy Garton: United, Mental Health & Coaching in San Diego
Jimmy is joined by former Manchester United defender, Billy Garton, to discuss the highs and lows of a career in sport. We chat about his United debut in 1984 and Billy's subsequent diagnosis of ME. We also speak about life in the USA where Billy is now doing great things coaching young people in San Diego.
Twitter: @RedDevilTalk_
Instagram: @reddeviltalk_
Contact: reddeviltalkmedia@gmail.com
#28 Frans Hoek: The Godfather of Goalkeeping
Jimmy is joined by Frans Hoek, a trusted advisor to both Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal on the latest episode of RDT. An assistant coach at Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and goalkeeping coach for van Gaal's Manchester United, Frans has consistently worked at the highest levels of football throughout his career. In this episode, we speak about his thesis on goalkeeping, his time in Manchester and more.
Twitter: @RedDevilTalk_
Instagram: @reddeviltalk_
Contact: reddeviltalkmedia@gmail.com
#27 Nobby Stiles: Manchester United legend
United author and historian, Roy Cavanagh MBE, joins Jimmy to remember the great Nobby Stiles.
Twitter: @RedDevilTalk_
Instagram: @reddeviltalk_
Contact: reddeviltalkmedia@gmail.com
#26 John Silk: Author of 'Even the Defeats'
Jimmy is joined by journalist, author and United fan, John Silk, to speak about his new book, 'Even the Defeats', the story of how painful moments in Sir Alex Ferguson's reign inspired him to lead Manchester United to some of their greatest successes. Link to purchase the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Even-Defeats-Manchester-Inspiration-MasterMind/dp/1785316850
Twitter: @RedDevilTalk_
Instagram: @reddeviltalk_
Contact: reddeviltalkmedia@gmail.com
#25 Roy Cavanagh: The United Wrap
Jimmy is joined by United author and historian, Roy Cavanagh to chat about the Arsenal game and the position of Solskjaer after 100 games as manager.
#24 Barney Chilton: The United Wrap
Jimmy is joined by Barney Chilton - editor of Manchester United fanzine Red News - to chat about United's victory over Leipzig, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Paul Pogba, the role of Donny van de Beek and more.
#23 Ken Doherty: United, Ronnie O'Sullivan's Search For Seven & The Psychology of Snooker
Ken Doherty speaks to Jimmy about United's start to the season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ronnie O'Sullivan's search for the record equalling seventh Crucible crown and the psychology of snooker; "the wait", affirmations, self-talk & more.
#22 Wayne Barton: Crunch Time for OGS, The De Gea Debate & More
Best-selling Manchester United author Wayne Barton chats to Jimmy about his new book, 'Beckham: The Making Of A Megastar' & upcoming releases. More, we chat about Utd's 4-1 victory over Newcastle, the De Gea/Henderson debate and discuss the potential switch to a back 3 for tonights game v PSG.
#21 Luke Chadwick: Effects of Abuse on Esteem, Athletic Identity & Player Well-Being
Manchester United Premier League winner Luke Chadwick speaks to Jimmy about winning the league with Utd nearly two decades ago. In addition, Luke speaks about the effects of the abuse surrounding his appearance on his self-esteem, athletic identity and we discuss research suggesting that professional soccer players are at risk of mental health problems post-playing.
#20 Sammy McIlroy (Preview)
Full interview published in next issue of Red News.
#19 Alan Tonge: Athletic Identity, Critical Moments & OGS's Future
Former Manchester United and Exeter City player Alan Tonge chats to Jimmy about joining MUFC, the mental impact of injury, athletic identity, the weekends loss to Spurs and the future of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
#18 Red Devil Talk with Roy Cavanagh MBE
Manchester United author and historian Roy Cavanagh MBE joins Jimmy to discuss United in the seventies and eighties. In addition, the Brighton game is discussed, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and United target Jadon Sancho.
#17 Derek Brazil on his MUFC Journey and Mental Health in Sport
Former Manchester United and Cardiff City defender Derek Brazil speaks to Jimmy about switching codes from GAA to Professional football and mental health in sport. In addition, Brazil speaks about the highs and lows of a career in professional sport; from being left go by West Ham, to joining Utd, to being forced to retire from injury and everything in between.
#16 Gordon Hill interview
Former MUFC winger speaks to Jimmy about playing for Millwall at Old Trafford, joining United, Tommy Docherty, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and more.
#15 Willie Morgan on Solskjaer, the future of Pogba and Matt Busby
Manchester United legend Willie Morgan speaks to Jimmy about United's progression under Solskjaer, turning down Leeds United, Matt Busby, his friend George Best and the great Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins.
#14 Chris Casper on Salford City, Foundation 92 and his Manchester United journey.
Former Manchester United defender and Class of '92 member Chris Casper joins Jimmy to discuss his role as Salford City in developing character among young people. Further, he discusses his Utd debut, joining Reading, the injury that forced him to retire and the psychological challenges of that injury.
#13 Willie Morgan preview
Willie Morgan on Paul Pogba. Full interview coming to Red News.
#12 Red Devil Talk with Nick Culkin
Interview with former Manchester United goalkeeper Nick Culkin. In this interview, we speak about the highs and lows of a career in sport. Signing for United, debut v Arsenal and subsequent injuries. More, Nick speaks about the psychological challenges of a career post-football and dealing with the transition out of the game.