What turns a talented squad into a winning team? Rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll joins Georgie Ainslie to discuss the standards, selflessness and honest conversations that helped transform Leinster and Irish rugby. From Michael Cheika’s brutal pre-season to a dressing-room “no bitching” policy, Brian explains why players must take ownership. He also reflects on Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam, the tackle that ended his 2005 Lions tour and his assessment of the World Cup contenders. Brian also draws a parallel between Henry Pollock’s rising profile and David Beckham’s star appeal, explaining why both command respect through their performances and work ethic. He discusses what rugby can gain from personalities like Pollock, and admits he enjoys how much the young England star winds up South African fans.

Performance People, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank.

FAQs

What does Brian O’Driscoll say about building winning teams? Players must take responsibility for standards, challenge each other and put the team ahead of personal disappointment.

How did Michael Cheika influence his career? Brian credits Cheika with changing Leinster’s mentality, combining demanding preparation with a belief that they could win major trophies.

Does Brian discuss the 2005 Lions tackle? Yes, including his perspective on the incident and the fan’s recording that helped him find closure.

Who does he fancy for the 2027 Rugby World Cup? Brian identifies South Africa as the team to beat, with New Zealand and France among the leading contenders, and explains his concerns about Ireland’s chances.

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The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

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ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025. We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

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Connect with Performance People Hit subscribe today for the latest.

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations. This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could Pilates be the secret to staying stronger, healthier and more mobile for longer? This week on Performance People, Georgie Ainslie is joined by London-based Pilates instructor Sam Deville, founder of the SDP Method, to explore the surprising benefits of Pilates for strength, longevity and mental wellbeing. Sam shares her remarkable personal story of rebuilding her core strength after two C-sections, using just 15 minutes of daily Pilates to help avoid major surgery. Together, they discuss why training smarter becomes increasingly important in midlife, how Pilates develops the smaller muscles we often overlook, and why even elite athletes are embracing it to improve their performance. From the power of consistency to the mind-body connection, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about Pilates.

Follow Sam: @samdevillepilates

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you still training for the body you had at 20, or the one you want at 80? Top performance coach to elite sport, military and business professionals, Chris Tombs joins Georgie Ainslie to discuss midlife fitness and how to build strength without making every workout a test of survival. Drawing on 30+ years in elite sport, Chris explains his approach to training for women and men in their 40s and 50s. They explore the misconceptions that put women off lifting weights, why strength training deserves space alongside your favourite classes, and how short, focused sessions can fit into an already crowded diary. Georgie shares her obsession with reformer Pilates and admits to returning to exercise expecting to pick up where her younger self left off. Chris explains why that mindset can undermine progress, and how adapting exercises, managing recovery and leaving your ego outside the gym can help you keep going. They also discuss protein, everyday movement, sleep and the habits that support your work in the gym. With practical advice for anyone starting again or rethinking their routine, this conversation asks a useful question: how would you train today if you wanted to be doing it for another 30 years?

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/ https:

//www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations. This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. © Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

© Gameface Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.