Lead on Purpose with James Laughlin - podcast cover

Lead on Purpose with James Laughlin

James Laughlinwww.jjlaughlin.com

Guiding you toward a life of purpose, progress, and personal growth.  Each week, James interviews world-class thinkers, including prime ministers, Olympic gold medalists, billionaires, and visionaries, to uncover the habits, tools, and mindsets that drive meaningful success.

Hosted by James Laughlin—a 7-time world champion drummer, sought-after keynote speaker, and high-performance leadership consultant—this podcast brings you conversations with extraordinary individuals who have shaped industries, inspired nations, and achieved greatness.

Whether you're building confidence, breaking through barriers, or discovering your purpose, Lead on Purpose is your guide to turning challenges into opportunities and ambitions into achievements.


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Episodes

A Sneak Peak inside my new book

Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com In this 1:1 episode, I’m sharing a short excerpt from one of the chapters in my upcoming book Habits of High Performers —a section called Do The Work . It’s a small glimpse into the mindset that high performers rely on when motivation runs out and the real work begins. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why ultra-endurance athlete Dean Karnazes is the definition of discipline—and how he built it The 4 mental habits D...

Jun 25, 20256 min

Why Success Isn’t Enough: Jehan Casinader on Mental Health, Burnout & Rewriting Your Life

Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com What if the story you’ve been telling yourself… isn’t true? In this moving and eye-opening episode, I sit down with award-winning journalist and author Jehan Casinader , whose book This Is Not How It Ends shook me—in the best way. We explore how the stories we carry (often from childhood) shape how we live, love, lead… and burn out. We dive into: The one question Jehan asks to instantly shift his mindset How loneliness a...

Jun 22, 202552 min

4 Powerful Ways to Elevate People Around You

Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com In this 1:1 episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of an event I hosted last week with some of New Zealand’s most inspiring voices—Razor Robertson, Mea Motu, Silvana Schenone, and Zion Armstrong. Each of them shared a moment where someone elevated them—and now, I’m passing those lessons on to you. In this episode, you’ll discover: The story of how world champ boxer Mea Motu turned trauma into power—and what it me...

Jun 18, 202511 min

3 Hidden Signs of ADHD You’re Probably Ignoring (with Skye Waterson)

Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com Think ADHD is just for kids? Think again. In this powerful episode, I sit down with ADHD strategist Skye Waterson to unpack what adult ADHD really looks like—and why so many high performers are missed or misdiagnosed. We explore: Why ADHD often hides in high achievers The link between burnout and executive dysfunction What dopamine has to do with motivation How to build habits and structure that actually stick Practical ...

Jun 15, 202551 min

5 Best Books to Read in 2025 (That Will Change Your Life)

Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com 5 Best Books to Read in 2025 (That Will Change Your Life) In this 1:1 episode, I’m sharing the 5 books that are shaping my 2025—and why they might just change your life too. From personal mastery to performance, longevity to leadership—these reads have shifted how I think, work, and live. If you want to grow this year, start with the right inputs. These are mine. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why The Wealth Mone...

Jun 11, 20257 min

What Makes a High-Performance Team? Mike Robbins Breaks It Down

Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com In a world divided by ego and isolation, Mike Robbins reminds us of what truly drives high performance: connection, courage, and humanity. Mike has spent over two decades inside Fortune 100 companies helping teams unlock extraordinary performance—not through pressure, but through purpose. In this conversation, we unpack his bestselling book We're All In This Together and explore what it really takes to build high-perform...

Jun 08, 202556 min

From Good to Elite: The All Blacks’ Leadership Blueprint

Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com From Good to Elite: The All Blacks’ Leadership Blueprint In this solo episode, I share powerful behind-the-scenes insights from three of the greatest minds in sport: Scott Robertson (head coach of the All Blacks), Gilbert Enoka (former mental skills coach), and Sir Wayne Smith (former assistant coach of the All Blacks and head coach of the Black Ferns). We recently shared the stage at a special leadership event. Wha...

Jun 04, 20259 min

He Ran for 101 Hours with No Sleep – Sam Harvey’s Ultra Human Story

Pre-order a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com Sam Harvey went from being bullied in school to becoming one of the world’s top ultra marathon runners. In this conversation, we dive deep into how he built elite-level resilience, redefined pain, and created a career doing what most would call impossible. What we cover: The mental and physical demands of backyard ultras How Sam ran 101 hours with only micro-naps What separates high performers from the rest Why...

Jun 01, 20251 hr 2 min

Why Di Foster Talks to Death—and What It Taught Her About Life

Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers today and learn the essential principles to thrive in life and work - www.thehabitbook.com Di Foster was told she had 12 months to live. That was 15 years ago. In this deeply moving conversation, Di shares how she rejected a terminal cancer diagnosis, removed herself from the medical system, and created her own path to radical remission—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But this isn’t a conversation about illness. It’s about ownership . It’...

May 29, 20251 hr 38 min

The 10 Leadership Rules That Transformed a Dysfunctional Culture | Kyle McDowell

Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com In a world where toxic workplaces are the norm, Kyle McDowell is leading a values-first revolution. Kyle spent decades inside Fortune 10 companies—leading tens of thousands of people—and what he learned will change how you lead forever. In this conversation, we explore his framework for transforming culture and leadership through The 10 WEs —a set of radical, clear, and actionable principles that drive high performance f...

May 28, 202558 min

Jamie Kreiner Studied 1,500 Years of Distraction—Here’s What She Found

Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers today and learn the essential principles to thrive in life and work - www.thehabitbook.com Jamie Kreiner went back 1,500 years to understand your biggest problem today. In a world obsessed with hacking attention, Jamie didn’t look forward—she looked back. In this conversation, we explore her book The Wandering Mind and what early Christian monks knew about distraction, productivity, and deep focus that modern science is only just catching up with. ...

May 27, 20251 hr 3 min

Diagnosed with ADHD as an Adult—How Greg Bennick Turned It Into a Superpower

Pre-order my new book Habits of High Performers today and learn the essential principles to thrive in life and work - www.thehabitbook.com In today’s hyper-connected world, distraction has become the norm—and it’s costing us clarity, focus, and a sense of purpose. In this powerful episode, author and speaker Greg Bennick joins James to unpack the psychology of attention, the link between self-worth and focus, and how we can reclaim our moments to create a more meaningful life. Greg shares his pe...

May 26, 202552 min

Mick Hunt: How to Lead Through Change, Chaos & Conflict

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter Most leaders know their “why.” But what if the real power lies in discovering your “because”? In this episode, I sit down with Mick Hunt , global leadership advisor and founder of Premier Strategy Box, to unpack the deeper drive behind great leadership—and how your “because” can shape every decision you make. We go deep into: Wh...

May 25, 202552 min

Stranded in Antarctica for 537 Days – David Knoff’s Unbelievable Survival Story

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter What do you do when you're cut off from the world… for over a year? David Knoff was meant to lead a 12-month Antarctic expedition. Then COVID hit. And what should’ve been one year turned into 537 days of complete isolation in one of the world’s most extreme environments. In this episode, David and I dive deep into: How he kept h...

May 22, 202558 min

The #1 Skill to Calm Anxiety and Heal Trauma | Dr. Christy Gibson

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with trauma physician and educator Dr. Christy Gibson—author of The Modern Trauma Toolkit —to explore how trauma really works, why it's often missed, and what you can do to start healing. We unpack why trauma is not what happens to you, but how your body and nervous system respond—and how ...

May 21, 202556 min

Joe Smarro on Surviving Suicide, Childhood Trauma, and Why Empathy Saves Lives

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter Trigger Warning This episode contains open and honest discussions about depression, suicidal ideation, childhood abuse, and trauma. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling, seek professional help or contact a local mental health support line. About the Episode Joe Smarro is a US Marine Corps veteran, fo...

May 20, 20251 hr 1 min

How to Master Your Emotions Under Pressure | Dr. Haley Perlus

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter Dr. Haley Perlus is a world-renowned sport psychologist, keynote speaker, and performance consultant who helps elite athletes and top executives unlock their mental edge. In this energising and insightful episode, Dr. Haley returns to the show to unpack the power of emotional mastery and mental recovery under pressure. With deca...

May 19, 202553 min

Harvard Psychiatrist Dr Frank Anderson: Why You Don’t Recognise Your Trauma!

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter In this powerful conversation, I speak with psychiatrist and trauma specialist Dr. Frank Anderson about the truth behind trauma—and how to heal it. We explore why trauma is often misunderstood, how it affects behaviour, and how healing can start with awareness and connection. Frank shares his own deeply personal story, how he br...

May 18, 202539 min

Fasting, Fat Loss, and Fitness After 40 | Dr. Matt Chalmers’ Unfiltered Advice

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter If you want to live longer—and better—this episode is for you. Dr. Matt Chalmers joins me to unpack what real wellness looks like and why the standard advice is letting people down. He breaks down hormones, fasting, blood testing, psychedelics, and what you actually need to do to optimise your body and brain for the long haul. W...

May 15, 202559 min

Neuroscience of Leadership: Why Mindset Shapes Performance | Dianna Kokoszka

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter In today’s episode of Lead On Purpose , I sit down with the legendary Dianna Kokoszka — author of Becoming More , former CEO at Keller Williams MAPS Coaching, and long-time mentee of John Maxwell. Dianna’s leadership wisdom has influenced hundreds of thousands of people — and today, she shares it all with you. From door-knocking...

May 14, 202544 min

Damon Lembi’s 4-Step Framework to Crush Self-Doubt

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter What happens when a pro-level athlete doesn’t make the cut—and has to start over? Damon Lembi went from almost being drafted into Major League Baseball to starting as a receptionist at his father’s small business. Now, he’s CEO of Learnit, a leadership training company that’s impacted over 3 million professionals worldwide. In t...

May 13, 202556 min

How to Cure Stress, Burnout, and Loneliness Without Medication with Julia Hotz

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter We’re not wired to be this disconnected. In today’s episode, I sit down with Julia Hotz—award-winning journalist and author of The Connection Cure —to explore why modern medicine is missing a huge piece of the puzzle… and how we can fix it without a single pill. We dive into social prescribing —a science-backed practice where do...

May 12, 202552 min

Can Stem Cells Actually Fix Your Body? Dr David Karli on Health, Injury and Aging

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. David Karli, a pioneer in regenerative medicine and CEO of Greyledge Technologies, to uncover the truth about stem cell therapy, longevity, and the science that’s transforming how we heal. Dr. Karli has spent over two decades at the forefront of tissue health and performance medicine...

May 11, 20251 hr 1 min

The Coaching Model That’s Changing the Sports World with Cody Royle

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter What if the greatest leaders are the ones no one’s watching? Cody Royle coaches elite head coaches—from Chelsea to Team Canada—and he’s redefining what it means to lead at the top. In this episode, we go deep into what high performance really looks like behind closed doors. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the best leaders...

May 08, 20251 hr 33 min

How to Get Anyone to Open Up | FBI-Level Psychology with Michael Reddington

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter Michael Reddington has spent decades mastering the art of getting to the truth—not through force, but through listening . In this episode, he unpacks how high-stakes interrogation techniques apply to leadership, parenting, interviews, and everyday life. If you lead people—or want to influence others—this one is a masterclass. Wh...

May 07, 202553 min

Find Your Purpose, Master Your Skills, Make More Money with Marisa Murgatroyd

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter In this episode of Lead On Purpose , I sit down with Marisa Murgatroyd—artist turned 8-figure entrepreneur—who went from “no marketable skills” to helping over 12,000 students turn their passions into profit. We dive deep into how to monetise your creativity, package your skills into scalable products, and why niching down is th...

May 06, 202554 min

7 Proven Ways to Build a Winning Culture with Chris Dyer

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter Culture can be your greatest asset—or your biggest liability. In this episode, I sit down with Chris Dyer, author of The Power of Company Culture , to unpack what makes or breaks a team’s culture. Chris has led award-winning remote teams, scaled companies that landed on the Inc. 5000 list five times, and knows exactly how to bui...

May 05, 202554 min

Preston Smiles: The Abundance Secret EVERY Leader Needs!

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter In this episode of Lead On Purpose , I sit down with Preston Smiles—abundance coach, best-selling author, and global speaker—who’s redefining what it means to be rich in spirit, not just in status. From surviving gang violence as a teen to coaching high-level CEOs, Preston’s story is a masterclass in personal transformation. We ...

May 04, 202547 min

Stop stressing about the world — Focus on THIS

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter You can’t control the world. But you can control how you lead yourself through it. In this solo episode, I share the exact strategies I use with my private clients—from CEOs to elite athletes—to stay grounded, focused, and in control… even when the world feels chaotic. This isn’t theory. It’s the playbook for high performers who...

Apr 30, 202511 min

From Microsoft to Xero: Steve Vamos on Leading Through Tech’s Toughest Moments

Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000’s of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletter In this episode of Lead On Purpose , I sit down with Steve Vamos—former CEO of Microsoft Australia, Apple Australia, and Xero—to unpack what it really takes to lead through disruption, pressure, and change. We explore: How to lead through crisis with calm and clarity Why alignment—not strategy—is the key to execution The power o...

Apr 27, 20251 hr 30 min
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