Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

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 creativity can be learned and developed
How curiosity helps us generate better ideas
Why constantly consuming inspiration can hold us back
How to create an environment that supports creativity
Why stepping away can help overcome creative blocks
How to seize opportunities without constantly hustling

Whether you consider yourself creative or not, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on curiosity, ideas and creating space for your best thinking.

Grab a copy of Fredrik’s book here - https://bookhero.co.nz/products/the-unvisible-by-fredrik-haren-9789814954556
Learn more about Fredrik here - https://www.fredrikharen.com
Connect with Fredrik on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrikharen/
If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com

Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/

James Laughlin is a High Performance Leadership Coach, Former 7-Time World Champion, Host of the Habits of High Performers Podcast and an Executive Coach to high performers and leaders. James is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Send me a personal text message
- If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com
Support the show

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 against it.

What we cover:

Why we procrastinate, even when we know exactly what we should be doing
How perfectionism, fear and uncertainty can make procrastination worse
Why social media may not be the real reason you're avoiding important tasks
How breaking big goals into tiny, manageable steps can make it easier to take action
Why systems, reducing friction and the “reality rule” can be more effective than relying on willpower

Whether you're putting off a career change, struggling to start an important project, avoiding your tax return or simply finding yourself scrolling instead of taking action, this conversation offers a practical, research-based approach to understanding procrastination, and finally doing something about it.

Grab a copy of Itamar’s latest book here - https://solvingprocrastination.com/book/
Learn more about Itamar here - https://itamarshatz.me
Connect with Itamar on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/itamarshatz/
If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com

Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/

James Laughlin is a High Performance Leadership Coach, Former 7-Time World Champion, Host of the Habits of High Performers Podcast and an Executive Coach to high performers and leaders. James is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Send me a personal text message
- If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com
Support the show

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:

What epigenetics is and how your lifestyle can influence gene expression
Why your genetics aren't necessarily your health destiny
How genetic and epigenetic testing can help personalise your approach to health
Why more supplements, biohacking and health data aren't always better
The simple daily habits Chris believes can support long-term health and longevity

Whether you're focused on high performance, longevity or simply having more energy for the people and things that matter most, this conversation is a fascinating look at why understanding your individual biology could help you make better decisions about your health.

Learn more about Chris here - https://chrisbarneswellness.com.au/about-wellness-programs/
Follow Chris on IG - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbarneswellness/
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-barnes-wellness/
If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com

Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/

James Laughlin is a High Performance Leadership Coach, Former 7-Time World Champion, Host of the Habits of High Performers Podcast and an Executive Coach to high performers and leaders. James is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Send me a personal text message
- If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com
Support the show

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 we cover:

The mindset that separates those who succeed under extreme pressure
Why elite performance often comes with a hidden personal cost
How wearable technology could predict declining mental health before crisis
Practical habits to improve your mental wellbeing, including sleep, breathwork and gratitude
Jonathan's journey through purpose, faith and finding meaning after military service

Whether you're leading a business, performing at a high level, or simply trying to take better care of your mental wellbeing, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that sustainable performance starts long before burnout becomes visible.

Follow Jonathan on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/jdbemore/?hl=en
Follow Jonathan on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandeanwilson/
Learn more about INVIMH here - https://invimh.com
If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com

Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/

James Laughlin is a High Performance Leadership Coach, Former 7-Time World Champion, Host of the Habits of High Performers Podcast and an Executive Coach to high performers and leaders. James is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Send me a personal text message
- If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com
Support the show

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:

Why your nervous system determines what you can hold in life
How trauma and childhood experiences shape ambition and stress
Why many high performers tie their identity to achievement
Practical tools to regulate your nervous system and perform sustainably

If you've ever felt driven but exhausted, this conversation will give you a completely new way of understanding yourself. 

Learn more about Rachel here - https://www.theembodiedmind.com.au/about-rachel
Follow Rachel on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/rachelpfeiffer/?hl=en
If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com

Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/

James Laughlin is a High Performance Leadership Coach, Former 7-Time World Champion, Host of the Habits of High Performers Podcast and an Executive Coach to high performers and leaders. James is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Send me a personal text message
- If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.com
Support the show