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 matt@mattbellace.com.