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.

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.