Marathoning and Mental Health
Explicit content warning
03/31/25 • 87 min
In this episode, Preston and Margaret take a deep dive into the science of running, exercise culture, and its impact on mental health. They explore the history of running, how it went from an obscure activity to a cultural phenomenon, and the physiological and psychological mechanisms that make it such a powerful mental health tool. They also unpack the identity crisis that can come with being an athlete, how running became the millennial version of church, and why dance might actually be a better form of exercise for mental health than running (gasp!).
Takeaways:
Running Changes the Brain: It increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), neuroplasticity, and ketone metabolism, all of which may protect against depression and cognitive decline.
The History of Running is Wild: Running wasn’t always a mainstream activity—it went from being a niche Olympic event to one of the most popular fitness trends of the modern era.
Exercise Culture Shapes Identity: Many athletes struggle to transition after competitive sports, often searching for structure, purpose, and a new relationship with movement.
Dance Might Actually Be Better for Mental Health: Research suggests dancing has stronger effects on mood and cognition than running, likely due to its social, rhythmic, and sensory components.
The Best Exercise is the One You’ll Do: While running has profound mental health benefits, the most effective workout is one that is enjoyable and sustainable for the long term.
Watch on YouTube: @itspresro
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
—
Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content
Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Preston and Margaret take a deep dive into the science of running, exercise culture, and its impact on mental health. They explore the history of running, how it went from an obscure activity to a cultural phenomenon, and the physiological and psychological mechanisms that make it such a powerful mental health tool. They also unpack the identity crisis that can come with being an athlete, how running became the millennial version of church, and why dance might actually be a better form of exercise for mental health than running (gasp!).
Takeaways:
Running Changes the Brain: It increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), neuroplasticity, and ketone metabolism, all of which may protect against depression and cognitive decline.
The History of Running is Wild: Running wasn’t always a mainstream activity—it went from being a niche Olympic event to one of the most popular fitness trends of the modern era.
Exercise Culture Shapes Identity: Many athletes struggle to transition after competitive sports, often searching for structure, purpose, and a new relationship with movement.
Dance Might Actually Be Better for Mental Health: Research suggests dancing has stronger effects on mood and cognition than running, likely due to its social, rhythmic, and sensory components.
The Best Exercise is the One You’ll Do: While running has profound mental health benefits, the most effective workout is one that is enjoyable and sustainable for the long term.
Watch on YouTube: @itspresro
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
—
Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content
Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previous Episode
Parasocial Relationships, Social Media, & How Art Can Help Mental Health
In this episode Margaret takes the lead as she welcomes art therapist, psychotherapist, and author Amelia Knott to discuss the ethics of being online, parasocial relationships, and the impact of social media on mental health. We explore the blurred lines between personal and professional identities in digital spaces, the therapeutic power of art, and how social media fosters both connection and disconnection.
Takeaways:
Parasocial Relationships Feel Real—But Aren’t Always Balanced: The one-sided intimacy we form with online figures can create expectations that don’t match reality.
Art Can Be a Pathway to Self-Discovery: Engaging in creative expression helps process emotions in a way that words alone sometimes can’t.
The Internet Blurs Professional Boundaries: Therapists, doctors, and other professionals must carefully navigate how much of themselves to share online while maintaining ethical standards.
Social Media Shapes How We See Ourselves: Being constantly observed—even by an imagined audience—can change how we experience our lives and make choices.
Digital Well-Being Requires Intentionality: There’s no perfect fix for screen overuse, but being mindful of why and how we engage with digital spaces can help create a healthier relationship with technology.
—
Want more Amelia Knott:
Instagram and TikTok: @art_therapy_irl
Facebook: @art.therapy.irl
Website: https://www.arttherapyinreallife.com/
Watch on YouTube: @itspresro
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
—
Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content
Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Next Episode
Social Anxiety & the Loneliness Epidemic
In Episode 14, Preston and Margaret dive into social anxiety disorder and the loneliness epidemic. From embarrassing childhood memories to awkward club encounters, they explore how social anxiety shows up in everyday life and how it differs from normal nerves. They also discuss the surgeon general’s definition of loneliness, the role of social media in increasing perceived judgment, and the neuroscience behind facial recognition, fear responses, and serotonin's impact on the amygdala.
Takeaways:
Social Anxiety Is More Than Shyness: It becomes a disorder when it causes persistent distress, distorted perceptions of judgment, and leads to avoidance of meaningful activities.
Loneliness Is Subjective—and Epidemic: According to the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness stems not just from solitude but from perceived lack of meaningful connection, and it has major mental and physical health consequences.
Social Media Can Amplify Anxiety: Being constantly seen—and judged—online may intensify social anxiety, even for those who appear confident or well-known.
Your Brain Is Wired to Care: Structures like the amygdala, insula, and anterior cingulate cortex play key roles in social fear, facial recognition, and rejection sensitivity—and they’re all modifiable with therapy and medication.
Healing Is Gradual and Personal: CBT, SSRIs, and compassionate exposure therapy can retrain the brain’s fear circuits—but treatment must match the individual’s goals, beliefs, and readiness for change.
Watch on YouTube: @itspresro
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
—
Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content
Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/how-to-be-patient-605085/marathoning-and-mental-health-88814945"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to marathoning and mental health on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy