This week on The Runner’s High Times, Gene sweats through the early summer heat-wave and spirals through the brain fog with his first ever solo episode. From learning this week that heat exhaustion is real to the origins of how running became his accidental mental health plan, this one’s part therapy, part comedy, and fully drenched.

He breaks down his first case of heat exhaustion (spoiler: it ends with cold towels and regret), offers sun-safe tips for fellow runners, shares his origin story as a musician-turned-runner, and introduces the first edition of the new segment: Runner or Psychopath?

You’ll also get a few unhinged Amazon running gear reviews, and some pretty raw quotes about why we run in the first place—even when it’s 100° and stupid. THE SUN HATES US.

Whether you’re chasing clarity or just trying to keep your nipples from chafing off in the heat, this one’s for you.

Run fast. Hydrate harder. Think weird. Welcome to the chaos.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Runner’s High Times — where sweat meets soul, and rhythm meets recovery.

Host Gene Priest sits down with vocalist/songwriter Erik Molenaar of New Wound to talk about how running became more than just a habit — it's a lifeline. From post-run clarity to writing lyrics with lactic acid still in the legs, the two dive into how endurance sports shape the way artists think, create, and cope.

They break down the mental benefits of movement, the evolution of hardcore music, Erik’s training habits, and what it means to scream your lungs out on stage and on the trail.

🎙️ Topics include:

• How running helps fight burnout and anxiety
• Hardcore music as therapy
• Erik’s creative process with New Wound
• Turnstile’s new album and the state of the scene
• Screaming technique, pacing, and post-workout snacks

Whether you're a runner, musician, or just someone trying to find peace in motion — this is the episode that kicks off the journey.

Welcome to The Runner’s High-Times—a podcast exploring the powerful connection between movement and mental health, brought to you by a lifelong runner and musician.

Each episode dives into stories from the road, deep conversations with fellow creatives, and honest reflections on how running, music, and mindfulness can shape our lives.

Whether you're chasing a runner’s high, breaking through personal walls, or just looking for your next gear obsession or playlist pick, this show is for you.

From post-punk playlists to post-run meditations—The Runner’s High-Times is where fitness, art, and vulnerability intersect.

🎧 Subscribe now and join us every week for deep miles, loud thoughts, and the kind of conversations you only have at mile 5.

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