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.