Surfing: Freedom from the System

Surfing: Freedom from the System

On this episode of the Better High Podcast, we talk about hitting the waves with my surfing buddy Alex Hernandez and the surf team from Ocean City High School in New Jersey. We talked about the natural high of surfing, the unique bond of going out in big surf together and finding freedom in the ocean. From early-morning winter swells to the confidence building benefits of learning how to manage emotions, this conversation dives into how riding waves can build resilience, confidence, connection, and a healthier high. In this episode, Matt also discusses the natural high of nostalgia, the natural low of having a head cold and recent gigs in Upstate New York and New Jersey.  #ABetterHigh #Surfing #OceanCityNJ #SurfTeam #MentalHealth #OceanLife #Podcast #StudentAthletes #SurfCulture #FlowState #HealthyHighs

Fleet Feet Racing

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.

Acting with Dr. Mykee Fowlin

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.

Fleet Feet Princeton Training

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.

Singing with Harry Singer

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.