Ben and I sat down recently to discuss some of the latest research into how exercise affects the brain, and specifically, running. While Ben isn’t leading any of these studies in his work, he acts as somewhat of a translator in his writing, helping us to understand the cutting edge of brain science. He’s spent the past decade and a half in the lab, looking at how the brain grows and works during our lifetime. And being a keen runner, Ben is curious to look at real evidence, and science… that supports common effects and feelings expressed by runners of all levels: how running can help us clear the mind, find focus, deal with stress… think more creatively… and impact our overall mental health. As you heard, Ben equates running with a type of mindfulness meditation. Find out more by listening to Episode 2 of The Aire Libre Running Podcast, a series of intimate conversations with renowned experts and inspiring characters on discovering our world through running, travel, culture, spirituality and mindfulness. Ben Martynoga is a neuroscientist and science writer. After a decade at the forefront of brain research, he swapped his white coat for a pen, leaving his full-time lab role to focus on communicating science.  He is in demand as a speaker and has published books, chapters, blogs and podcasts. His articles appear in the Guardian, New Statesman, The i newspaper, Long+Short magazine and the Financial Times. Increasingly, he feels the need to get up from his laptop and go out for a run. When he gets back to his desk, ideas always flow more easily. He tweets, occasionally, at @mountainogre .