The Mood Booster Podcast

This week, Charlie and Marcus sit down to reflect on their personal journeys with movement. From Marcus faking sick notes to get out of PE, to now being 1,600+ days into a daily running streak. From Charlie working out just to get abs, to now finding joy and confidence in movement through community.
We also talk about the psychological benefits of exercise, from movement snacks to Self-Determination Theory, and why making movement accessible is the most important thing. This isn’t a podcast by two fit guys saying “just go for a run.” It’s a real conversation about the ups, downs and growth that movement can bring.
Expect personal stories, laughter, evidence, and a reminder that movement can look different for everyone.
📚 References cited in this episode:
- Mahindru, A., Patil, P., & Agrawal, V. (2023). Role of physical activity on mental health and well-being: A review. Cureus, 15(1). https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/review_article/pdf/121652/20240724-319105-j7fpue.pdf
- Noetel, M., Sanders, T., Gallardo-Gómez, D., Taylor, P., del Pozo Cruz, B., Van Den Hoek, D., ... & Lonsdale, C. (2024). Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. bmj, 384. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10870815/
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “What” and “Why” of goal pursuits: human needs and the Self-Determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327965pli1104_01
- Segar, M. L., Eccles, J. S., & Richardson, C. R. (2011). Rebranding exercise: closing the gap between values and behavior. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 8(1), 94. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-8-94
- Chekroud, S. R., Gueorguieva, R., Zheutlin, A. B., Paulus, M., Krumholz, H. M., Krystal, J. H., & Chekroud, A. M. (2018). Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1·2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015: a cross-sectional study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(9), 739–746. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2215-0366(18)30227
 
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Following on from Ep. 11 where Marcus opened up about self-criticism, this episode is all about balance. We're diving deep into positive self talk, what it is, why it matters, and how it can literally rewire your brain.
We explore:
Why we’re hardwired to focus on the negative
The neuroscience behind self talk and emotional regulation
How CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Theory) and distanced self talk can help reframe our internal dialogue
Real experiences of building a healthier, more compassionate relationship with ourselves
This one blends neurobiology, psychological theory, and real talk. Think: amygdala, inner critic, self-esteem, Beck, Kross, and the power of speaking kindly to yourself.
🎙 Whether you struggle with imposter syndrome, low self-worth, or just want to feel a little more grounded — this one’s for you.
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📚 References cited in this episode:
Beck, A.T. (1976). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders.
Goldin, P. R., McRae, K., Ramel, W., & Gross, J. J. (2007). The Neural Bases of Emotion Regulation: reappraisal and suppression of negative emotion. Biological Psychiatry, 63(6), 577–586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.05.031
Kross, E., & Ayduk, O. (2011). Making meaning out of negative experiences by self-distancing. Current directions in psychological science, 20(3), 187-191. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721411408883
Shapira, L. B., & Mongrain, M. (2010). The benefits of self-compassion and optimism exercises for individuals vulnerable to depression. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 5(5), 377–389. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2010.516763
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In this heartfelt bonus episode, Charlie and Marcus sit down for a festival debrief, and it’s not just about coconuts and flashy flags. After just four months of building the Mood Booster podcast, we take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and to express deep gratitude for each other and the community growing around us.
From Alister recognising us (!), to the joy of hearing strangers share what makes them happy, this one's about presence, connection, and letting the moment sink in.
Come bask with us. 🌞
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Feeling tired all the time, a bit detached, or like you’re running on empty?
In this episode, we take a deeper look at burnout, from its emotional weight to its academic roots. Marcus and Charlie discuss personal experiences with burnout and weave in leading psychological theories, including Maslach’s Burnout Inventory and the WHO’s classification of burnout as an occupational phenomenon.
We break down what burnout actually is, how it shows up in real life, why it’s different from stress, and what helps when you're in the thick of it. We also reflect on recent studies exploring burnout in younger adults and how modern working culture contributes to the rise in chronic exhaustion.
Whether you’re feeling the edge of burnout or just curious about how it works, this episode blends insight, honesty and psychology, with a few laughs in between.
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📚 References cited in this episode:
Maslach, C., & Jackson, S. E. (1981). MBI: Maslach burnout inventory. manual. Palo Alto, CA: University of California, Consulting Psychologists Press.
World Health Organization (2019). Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon". [ICD-11 classification] https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases
Schaufeli, W. B., Leiter, M. P., & Maslach, C. (2009). Burnout: 35 years of research and practice. Career Development International, 14(3), 204–220. https://doi.org/10.1108/13620430910966406
Han, R., Xu, J., Ge, Y., & Qin, Y. (2020). The impact of social media use on job burnout: The role of Social Comparison. Frontiers in Public Health, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.588097
Salvagioni, D. a. J., Melanda, F. N., Mesas, A. E., González, A. D., Gabani, F. L., & De Andrade, S. M. (2017). Physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout: A systematic review of prospective studies. PLoS ONE, 12(10), e0185781. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0185781
https://integrishealth.org/resources/on-your-health/2021/november/what-are-the-5-stages-of-burnout
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Criticism... it stings, sticks, and sometimes shapes how we see ourselves.
In this episode, we have an open and honest chat about handling negative comments, both online and in real life. Marcus reflects on a recent experience in Morocco where unkind remarks about his appearance brought up old insecurities. We also open up about the unspoken comparisons we sometimes make between each other and how that plays into self-worth.
Despite it all, Marcus shares how he is also feeling the most confident he ever has, and we explore how self-image, friendship and support can help us navigate critical voices... especially our own.
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The oceans cover over 70% of our planet, but how often do we stop to think about what they mean to us?
In this episode, Charlie takes the lead, diving into his passion for marine conservation and reflecting on his time studying the oceans at university. We share facts, memories and awe-inspiring moments from nature documentaries (specifically, Oceans with David Attenborough) and get into the devastating impact of bottom trawling, a destructive industrial fishing practice harming marine ecosystems.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. We explore the joy, curiosity and calm that the ocean brings, and discuss small, meaningful ways we can all play a part in protecting it.
Whether you’re a deep-sea enthusiast or just love a paddle at the beach, this episode will leave you thinking a little more deeply about the water that connects us all.
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Sea, cities, exploring… and sometimes, a bit of stress?
In this episode, we take a lighter look at holidays. From our favourite getaways to the types of holidays we love most. We talk about why holidays can be such a boost for wellbeing, but also how they can sometimes bring their own pressures and expectations.
We reflect on the joy of switching off, the anxiety of taking time off work. We reflect on our favourite holidays, and delve deep into what they meant to us. Plus, we chat about our own upcoming travel plans and what we’re most excited for.
Whether you’re a beach lounger, city wanderer or adventure-seeker, this episode is your laid-back reminder that holidays don’t need to be perfect, they just need to feel good for you.
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We’re sitting in our old house, now empty, echoey, and filled with memories... reflecting on a week of boxes, chaos, and change.
In this episode, we talk about the stress of moving house and all the emotions it brings up. We share how the last week has felt, from the overwhelm to the excitement, and reflect on our own childhood experiences of moving, and how they’ve shaped how we see “home” today.
We explore how moving isn’t just a practical upheaval, but an emotional one too, often triggering memories, identity shifts, and big feelings we didn’t expect.
Whether you’re gearing up for a move or just feeling nostalgic for places you’ve lived, this is a reflective and personal episode about transition, memory, and what it means to leave a space behind.
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What makes someone a role model, and can they actually do more harm than good?
In this episode, we reflect on the idea of role models and why the people we look up to can shape how we see ourselves. From celebrity idols to quiet everyday influences, we unpack what it really means to be a role model, who our own role models are, and how those relationships evolve.
We also explore Albert Bandura’s famous Bobo doll study to understand the psychology of imitation, influence, and how social learning plays into identity and wellbeing.
Whether you’ve been shaped by mentors or just want to rethink who deserves a pedestal, this one’s for you.
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Birthdays: love them, dread them, or just let them pass quietly?
In this episode, we celebrate Charlie’s big 25th birthday and reflect on why he prefers a more low-key celebration. We dive into the idea of whether it’s okay not to celebrate, the pressures birthdays can bring, and how to find joy in the small, meaningful moments they offer.
We explore the social and emotional layers of birthdays, how they can act as milestones, reflections, and sometimes gentle reminders to appreciate where we are in our journey.
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