Better High Podcast

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 Ru...

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...

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 hea...

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...

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...

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...

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 no...

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,...