brainSTEM13 Tammi 2025

E20 - Runner's High and Beyond: The Neuroscience of Exercise

In this special episode of BrainSTEM, co-producer Aman takes the mic to interview host Dr. Hilary Marusak, neuroscientist and avid runner, about the fascinating connection between exercise and brain health.

What exactly is a runner’s high, and how does it work? How do the brain’s endocannabinoids contribute to this euphoric state, and how does exercise impact mental health, neuron growth, and longevity? Hilary dives into these topics and shares insights from her research, including a groundbreaking study on the effects of exercise on anxiety in adolescents.

Whether you're a seasoned runner, a fitness enthusiast, or just curious about how movement impacts your brain, this episode will leave you inspired to lace up your shoes and hit the ground running!

🔗 Questions from Listeners:

Is running the only exercise that gives a “high”?

Does running promote neuron growth?

Cardio vs. strength training: Which is better for brain health?

What’s the optimal level of exercise for mental health?

✨ Tune in now to learn how exercise can transform your brain and your life!

📢 Follow us on Instagram @brainstempodcast to submit your questions for future episodes.

🎧 Available now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!

❤️‍🩹 Help is available 24 hours/day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

🧠 BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist ⁠Dr. Hilary Marusak⁠. Production by Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the ⁠Society for Neuroscience⁠ and ⁠Michigan Society for Neuroscience⁠.

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest suggestions. Visit our website: www.brainSTEMpodcast.com. Our video podcasts are also posted on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LTYvOoFc6L7p2kUMaFhCA/videos

🔗 Learn more about Dr. Marusak and her work:

The Trauma History Investigation of Neurodevelopment in Kids (THINK) lab at Wayne State University: www.wsuthinklab.com

Dr. Marusak’s School of Medicine Bio

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(34)

E32 – More Than a Mood: Stories and Science of Bipolar Disorder

In this two-part episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak explores bipolar disorder from two angles: lived experience and neuroscience. In Part 1, she talks with Dr. Maya Schumer, a neuroscientist dia...

22 Heinä 1h 25min

E31 – When Words Aren't Enough: Poetry, Mental Health, and the Healing Power of Art

In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak sits down with Alex Sheehan — spoken word poet, mental health advocate, and member of the One Mind Lived Experience community — for a conversation that...

2 Kesä 44min

E30 – Breaking the Silence: Stories and Science of Depression

In this special two-part episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak explores one of the most common — and most misunderstood — mental health conditions: depression. We approach it from two angles: first...

2 Kesä 1h 25min

E29 – Your Brain on the Scroll: Kids, Screens, and the Developing Mind

In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak and guest co-host Natalie Thurston sit down with neuroscientist Dr. Emma Duerden, a researcher at the forefront of understanding how early life experie...

21 Huhti 37min

E28 – Harnessing Lived Experience: Brandon Staglin’s Mission to Transform Mental Health

In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak sits down with mental health advocate and innovation leader Brandon Staglin, Co-Founder and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer of One Mind. Brandon ...

26 Helmi 45min

E27 – Hooked: Food Addiction, Ultra-Processed Diets, and the Brain

In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak and co-producer Gabby Maramag sit down with clinical psychologist and leading food addiction researcher Dr. Ashley Gearhardt to unpack the science behi...

12 Helmi 33min

E26 – Neurodiversity, ADHD, and the Future of the Brain

In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak sits down with neuroscientist, innovator, and thought leader Dr. Prantik Kundu to explore the evolving science and personal realities of neurodiversity...

20 Marras 202552min

E25 – Science Under Threat: NIH Funding Cuts and the Future of Research

In this special episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak is joined by Dr. Alaina Jaster, host of Psychedelic Brain Science, a science advocate, and a postdoctoral research fellow in the THINK lab. The...

14 Helmi 202559min