In this podcast, Patrick McKeown sits down with Jack McMillan, a former professional footballer, Advanced Oxygen Advantage® Breathwork Instructor, and founder of Optima Performance. The discussion focuses on breathing techniques for elite athletes, the importance of breath training in sports performance, and how functional breathing can be a game-changer in both pre-performance preparation and in-game execution.

Jack shares his personal journey from football to breathwork, how he first discovered it through yoga, and how it transformed his pre-match anxiety and overall performance on the field. The conversation explores how breathing influences nervous system regulation, mental clarity, and recovery, and how professional athletes are beginning to integrate these techniques into their routines.

They dive into how athletes can optimize their breathing both in training and competition, how CO₂ tolerance and breath-hold training can boost endurance and decision-making, and why nasal breathing plays a crucial role in performance and recovery. They also highlight the importance of post-match recovery strategies and the connection between breathing, mental clarity, and sleep.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or breathwork enthusiast, this podcast offers practical takeaways and new ways to think about breathing — not as an afterthought, but as a foundation for high performance.

Season 6 of the Oxygen Advantage® Podcast kicks off with a conversation that will change the way you think about running, endurance, and most importantly - breathing.

In this episode, Patrick McKeown sits down with Sid Garza-Hillman - author, coach, and Oxygen Advantage instructor - to explore the intersection of breathing, endurance, and everyday life. Sid shares his journey from musician to nutritionist and running coach, revealing how nasal breathing transformed his training, recovery, and stress management.

Learn how slowing down, managing air hunger, and prioritizing breathwork can make you a better athlete and a more resilient human. Whether you’re looking to improve your running efficiency, enhance recovery, or simply breathe better, this conversation is packed with insights that challenge the norm.

Adam Burgess is a silver medalist Olympian and a passionate advocate for the transformative power of breathing. As a full-time professional canoeist, Adam has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of athletic performance, but it was his exploration of breathing that unlocked a new level of holistic wellness and success.

After struggling with breathing challenges early in his career, including a misdiagnosis of exercise-induced asthma, Adam embarked on a journey of discovery that led him to the world of yoga and conscious breathing practices. Through his exploration of techniques like nasal breathing and breath holding, Adam not only improved his athletic abilities but also experienced profound benefits in his sleep, recovery, and overall well-being.

Inspired by his personal transformation, Adam became an Oxygen Advantage instructor, sharing his expertise with others and inspiring them to unlock the breath advantage. He now runs the Inspired Breath Academy, where he works one-on-one with clients, from athletes to corporate professionals, to help them harness the power of breathing for peak performance and optimal health.

In this podcast, Adam shares his remarkable journey, offering insights and practical tips on how breathing can revolutionize various aspects of life, from sports to mental resilience and longevity. His story is a testament to the transformative potential of conscious breathing and a powerful reminder that sometimes the most impactful solutions can be found in the simplest of practices.