Better High Podcast

On this episode of the Better High Podcast, we lace up for a conversation about endurance, mindset, and the natural high that comes from pushing beyond what you thought was possible. Guest hosts Dr. Dara Bellace — Fleet Feet Princeton run coach — and podcast audio engineer Steve Blumenthal brave the chilly weather with three runners preparing to take on the Jersey City Marathon: Jenny Castro, Zhen Jin, and Fletcher Grayson.From early morning training runs to overcoming setbacks, hear what drew them to marathon running and what keeps them moving when the miles get tough. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a weekend jogger, or someone simply looking for inspiration, this episode captures the powerful connection between social connection and the achievement of the Runner’s High.

On this episode, we examine the natural high of acting. Our guest today is someone who lives at the powerful intersection of performance and psychology. Dr. Mykee Fowlin is an accomplished actor, writer, and clinical psychologist who has spent his career using the stage not just to entertain, but to challenge, heal, and transform. Mykee brings a rare depth to his work—whether he’s performing one of his acclaimed solo shows or speaking to audiences about identity, empathy, and mental health.Through his performances, Mykee invites audiences into deeply human stories that confront issues like race, privilege, trauma, and connection, all while showcasing the emotional range and vulnerability that great acting demands. Today, we’re going to explore how acting can be more than just a craft—it can be a tool for self-discovery, emotional expression, and of course, a natural high.On this episode, Matt also discusses the natural high of his perfect day and the natural low of his second shingles shot. Thanks to Bridgewater Raritan Middle School and DeLucia's Pizza in Raritan, NJ for allowing us to record. 

We caught up with the Fleet Feet Princeton marathon training group as they prepare for their big races in April.  Our first interview was with Ben Saunders, an IT specialist at Princeton University, who says running makes him feel more comfortable being uncomfortable. Then we interviewed Nick Woodbury, a dad of three and a podcast producer at Hidden Brain. Nick finds that running gives him more energy, which he definitely needs tiring out his three boys. In this episode, Matt also talks about this week's natural high, surfing at Waco Surf in Texas, one of the largest man-made waves in the United States.

In this episode, Matt sits down with singer-songwriter Harry Singer for a unique before-and-after conversation about the natural high of singing. Harry was performing at Small World Coffee in Princeton, NJ on Valentine's Day. The interview captured Harry's process of rehearsal that allows him to be more "in the moment" during the show and what he thinks about distractions while performing. The episode also covers Matt's recent speaking gigs, his trip to Florida to watch his son play baseball and his hatred of tree grinders on a warm day.  

In this episode, Matt visits one of the top high school wrestling programs in the country at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, Pennsylvania. He sits down with team captains Brian Chamberlin and Lucas Parietti to talk about the natural high that comes from intense training, competition, and being part of an elite program.Matt even tries to capture the sound of practice—but the action is a little too much for the microphones to handle. Fortunately, he does manage to record part of Coach Weber’s powerful pre-workout speech, giving listeners a glimpse into the mindset that fuels the team.Matt also shares stories from recent visits to local schools, a cold-water surfing trip to the Jersey Shore, the misery and delight of poison ivy and some thoughtful feedback from a listener.From wrestling mats to ocean waves, this episode explores the many ways people find a better high through challenge, discipline, and connection. Enjoy!  To jump directly to the interview, go to 8:37.

Matt left New Jersey during one of the coldest stretches of the winter to walk the beach in Naples, FL. Join him as he interviews longtime Florida football coach turned motivational speaker, Billy Sparacio. Coach Sparacio literally created the athletics department at First Baptist Academy, guiding the football team to a state champion. His story has all the ups and downs of a great football game, and he's a Steelers fan, so you've got to listen! To jump straight to the interview, go to 11:04.    

Turning 50 is a big milestone. This episode's guest, Drea Jacome Potocny, decided to commemorate it by running a marathon or almost two! 50 miles on her 50th birthday! Dr. Bellace biked alongside Drea, talked about life, turning 50 and her new initiative, Sobrie-tour, introducing people to a 90-day alcohol fast. Dr. Bellace also revisits fun speaking tour trips to Wyoming Seminary, The Hun School of Princeton and Montgomery High School in NJ. He also remembers Comedian Uncle Floyd.

Matt interviews several friends of the podcast at post-run coffee about their favorite natural high of 2025 and what natural highs they're looking forward to in 2026. The "cold open" of the episode is literally a cold open, as Matt goes surfing on his birthday in Manasquan, NJ. at sunrise. We hope this episode helps you reflect on your favorite natural high of the year and inspires you to be "dauntless" in 2026!  

Finishing a marathon is a natural high, perhaps the most well documented of its type. This episode we have the podcast's very own Steve Blumenthal, finishing his first marathon in Philadelphia. Steve battled a head cold and nagging self-doubt but emerged triumphant in his quest!  Congrats to Steve on an impressive effort. Matt also recounts nearly losing the footage and the natural high of celebrating his wife's 50th birthday. Jump to 7:51 to get right to the interview. 

The idea for the Better High Pod started while I was biking along the side my wife's Saturday morning run club. I noticed how open the runners, many of whom did not know me at all, were with opening up to me. The 45-mintue runs felt a lot like an intake interview at the beginning of a therapeutic relationship. This episode features Alex Windrem, a New Jersey native, youth lacrosse coach and fellow pizza lover. Alex opened up about a range of range of mental health struggles on the run without any hesitation. Also in the episode, Matt talks about his son turning 16 and speaking at his wife's alma mater.

Rowing is both a euphoric and calming natural high, according to our guest this week, long time rower Susan Weinstein. Susan is the Director of Employee Assistance Program and Student Wellness Program at Rutgers University and has lot of experience rowing. On the hand, I do not have much experience which explains why I almost tip us into Carnegie Lake!  Join us on a beautiful late summer evening, which was a natural high on its own. Also on this episode, Matt recounts a moment where he rapped Eminem's "Lose Yourself" at a New Jersey high school. In addition, he talks about his natural low this week, people and audiences that "don't get it."

The Helper's High is real and it may feel better than the rest. That's the opinion of this episode's guest, Cheryl Stavola. She's put together a life of helping others, from teaching, volunteering and now working for the Tigger Stavola Foundation. Cherly is my point person at the foundation and accompanies me to the many schools I speak at in New Jersey. It's fitting that I interview her during the Hope Sheds Light a fundraiser for recovery on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights. Also in the episode, Matt talks about his recent gigs and trip to Montclair to see his mother get inducted into the Montclair High sports Hall of Fame. If you want to jump straight to the interview, skip ahead to 8:17.

Music has the power to transform to your life. Marine Corps veteran and frontman for the band Star City Syndicate, Doug Cronkhite is a living example of this transformation. Doug shares his talent and his journey in this episode of the Better High Podcast. Matt met Doug in 2014 at the Aroostook Teen Leadership Conference in Presque Isle, Maine. Each year, he looks forward to Doug's infectious laugh and playful energy. He's beloved at ATLC and we know you'll love this interview. Matt also talks about the Yankees season, his many gigs the past week and "going rogue" during a recent speech. To jump to the interview, go to 7:45. For information on our sponsor, check out their homepage: Homepage - Tigger Stavola Foundation  

We descended upon Gotham City for this episode to join Summer Streets, an event which involves closing over 400 blocks of New York City streets so runners, bikers and fringe characters can get out of their apartments. Dr. John Cave was our surprise interview! He shared his insights on the natural high of running (and swimming) from the perspective of a guy with two boys, a PhD in chemistry, and a career in neuroscience. Matt also reflects on bombing on stage for a good cause. To jump right to the interview, go to 6:03.

In the first episode of the second season, we dive into the world of swimming. It's not just an immersive form of exercise, but it's a natural high for the mind and body. From the meditative rhythm of laps to laughing about the crazies who insist on bumping you when they share a lane, we talk about it all. More importantly, we talk about it with my indefatigable wife, Dr. Dara Bellace! She's a clinical psychologist who treats eating disorders by day and a biathlete (running and swimming) by earlier day. She's also a legacy ambassador at Lululemon and a run coach with Fleet Feet in Princeton. You can learn more about her at www.darabellace.com. We have our first sponsor! Please check out our new sponsor, the Tigger Stavola Foundation at Homepage - Tigger Stavola Foundation.  If you'd like more information on becoming a sponsor of the pod, please email Matt at [email protected].

In the final show before summer break, Matt played a round of golf with his buddy, Ty Sells. You may remember him from the episode on public speaking. Ty is a nationally recognized speaker, author and longtime friend. They discuss how golf qualifies as a natural high and how the hang might be the best part. Ty's stoic philosophy about the game of golf comes out after Matt hits several lucky shots.  Enjoy listening to the edited highlights, which is a treat compared to Matt listening back to audio of all 18 holes!  To skip ahead to the interview, jump to 5:30.

This episode focuses on Central Park softball in New York City. Specifically, the Gotham Comedy Club softball team and its longtime manager, Tom Burnett.  Tom invites Matt to play a few times a year when the team needs players since he used to co-manage the team in the late 2000's. Explore the natural highs and natural lows of softball through the course of one game. Jump to 6:50 to hear the interview.

Is walking a natural high? We'll answer the question while out for a vigorous walk with a climate scientist affiliated with Princeton University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Bill Hurlin.  Walking tends to be a default natural high after an injury, but it might be the most convenience and low cost natural high in the world. In this interview, Matt and Bill chat about the benefits of nature, coping during the pandemic and earning your daily ice cream.  In addition, Matt talks about an adorable painted turtle that walked up to his garage door this week and much more.  

This episode explores the natural high of traveling with Matt's first cousin, John Bellace. He's a physical therapist for Penn Medicine in South Jersey and has traveled the world. John reflects on big moments during trips to Sicily, the Vatican, the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. Matt also talks about recent speaking gigs and escaping the kids for a night to be with his wife at the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia.      

Phil Januszewski is a dynamic keynote speaker dedicated to spreading positivity and well-being. Many years ago, he worked as a line cook and decided he loved food too much to make a meal for people and not see them enjoy it. He brought his passion for food into the high school physics classroom, where he taught for over a decade.  Now, Phil is embarking on a career as a professional speaker.  He's already been on the circuit for many years, part of the duo M&P Presentations, with fellow educator Matt Matkovich. I caught up with Phil at his home outside of Chicago to chat and break bread. We talked about our mutual love of cooking and how it creates community and links us to our past. Also on this episode, Matt also complains about his sore legs after one game of softball and the natural high of springtime!          

Is public speaking a natural high? How about a traveling around and being paid to speak? This episode's guest is a longtime professional speaker and friend, Ty Sells. After decades on the stage, Ty knows as well as anyone the highs and lows of public speaking. The episode takes place during Matt and Ty's training for prevention specialists in Columbus, Ohio. Ty brings energy, genuine humor and heart to everything he does. He's been working with young people and adults for over thirty years. He believes change comes through connection and connecting with audiences is his specialty. If you like what you hear, check out more of Ty's work at Youth-Led Drug Prevention and Leadership - Youth to Youth International.  Editor's Note: To jump right to the interview, go to 6:51.

In this episode, Matt bikes alongside Shahram Hejazi, Princeton professor, entrepreneur and investor. Shahram reflects on his first few years in America and what it's like to live alone at 15 years old! We learn about his philosophy of "things could always be worse" and how that helps in him today. In addition, Matt sums up his packed week of natural highs and lows traveling throughout New Jersey and to Chicago. Editor's Note: To jump right to the interview, go to 9:51.

Performing stand-up comedy can be a powerful natural high.  Join Dr. Matt as he interviews veteran comedian Joe Matarese (Last Comic Standing, Late Show with David Letterman), exploring when stand-up comedy delivers a natural high for him.  For Joe, delivering self-deprecating humor keeps him in the moment and makes it easier to "try not to try." Also, find out about Dr. Matt's gigs this week and where he ate the best risotto of his life.  Editor's Note: To jump to the interview, go to 6:17 on the recording.

Follow Dr. Matt into the Russian Spa with Ed Stelmach and friends.  The interview is a little light on this one because everyone's brains were boiling. The episode takes you through the Russian Spa experience, which is helpful if you decide to go because it's a bit chaotic. Dr. Matt also reviews his highs and lows of the week speaking in New Jersey and Northern California.  Editor's Note: If you'd like to skip right to the interview, jump to 10:15.

Explore the runner's high in the first episode of the Better High Podcast!  Listen as Dr. Matt Bellace bikes next to musician and MLS Senior Manager Andrew Hill. The conversation explores the impact of running on mental health, social connections and focus.  Also, find out what it was like for Dr. Matt to speak at his son's high school and deal with the "traffic to nowhere in Houston."  Editors note: If you'd like to skip right to the interview, jump to 7:40.     

What if the best highs in life didn't come from substances, but from experiences, and the world around us? The Better High Podcast is the show that explores the science, stories, and strategies behind natural highs - the moments that make us feel alive, energized and deeply connected. Join Dr Matt Bellace and his guests as they dive deep into the psychology of happiness, the thrill of adventure, the power of human connection and the simple joys that elevate our mood naturally.  If you're looking for a fresh perspective on feeling good, this is the show for you.  Tune in and discover the Better High Podcast.