Matt Marney Podcast

Matt Marney

Matt Marney has been working in the well-being space for over 20 years. He is a personal trainer, group exercise/Pilates instructor and meditation teacher. This unique blend and experience gives Matt an appreciation and understanding of the mind body connection and its role in promoting optimal health, wellbeing and performance. Over the last decade Matt has also worked as a teacher trainer where he shares his experience with movement teachers and fitness professionals. This role ensures Matt is up to date with the latest research and developments in the industry and he delivers this knowledge with passion and enthusiasm. After training hundreds of clients over the years he realised the same misconceptions about health and wellbeing came up time and again therefore he decided to start a corporate wellbeing company Wellness Education Dubai in the hope he could educate and motivate more people. He realised taking the right information and motivation to groups at the workplace could be more impactful and he enjoys educating and inspiring groups to become empowered and create agency (for individuals) to make real change. This podcast is another vehicle Matt uses to educate and motivate people more people.  

  1. APR 29

    Episode 164: Gratitude is a skill – How to train your brain to see the good in the world Host: Matt Marney

    In this solo episode, Matt explores the concept of gratitude and appreciation, and why these simple practices can have such a powerful impact on how we think, feel, and experience the world. We all have an inbuilt negativity bias. It’s how the brain is wired. But in today’s world, that bias is being amplified. Social media, constant information, and polarised narratives are widening the gap between perception and reality. This episode breaks down how gratitude can help rebalance that system. In this episode, Matt explores: Why the brain is wired to focus on the negative How modern life and social media amplify that negativity bias The gap between perception and reality, and why it matters How gratitude and appreciation influence neurology and physiology How shifting attention can literally change your experience of the world Practical ways to build gratitude into your daily routine How to “hack your algorithm” to see more of what is good This episode is about more than just feeling positive. It’s about training your brain to notice what is already there, and in doing so, improving your health, your mood, and your performance. If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:  • Email: info@wellnesseducationdubai.com  • Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com • Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai • Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness • LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

    39 min
  2. APR 15

    Episode 163: The Fitness Trap - Why Training Hard Isn’t Making You Healthy. Guest: Paul Edmondson, Fitness Educator, Tutor, and Master Trainer

    In this episode, Matt speaks with Paul Edmondson, a leading figure in fitness education who works with organisations such as the Gray Institute and Hyperice. Paul specialises in developing coaches, with a strong background in movement, mobility, and applied coaching. Together, they explore a common disconnect in the fitness industry. Many people say they want better health, longevity, and energy, yet the way they train often doesn’t support those outcomes. This episode challenges the idea that more intensity equals better results and highlights the often-overlooked role of recovery. From breathwork to modern recovery tools like heat, ice, and compression boots, they discuss how recovery is not an add-on, but a key part of improving health and performance. In this conversation, they explore:  The difference between training for fitness and training for health  Why many people’s training does not match their goals  The impact of sedentary lifestyles combined with high-intensity exercise  Why “redlining” in the gym can add more stress rather than reduce it  The importance of building a strong aerobic and cardiovascular base  How low-intensity training supports long-term health and performance  The role of recovery in improving results and reducing stress  Practical recovery tools including heat, ice, compression boots, and vibration therapy  How breathwork can be used as a simple and effective recovery strategy  Rethinking exercise beyond calorie burn and aesthetic goals  Practical ways to structure training for better health outcomes If you are training hard but not seeing improvements in your energy, recovery, or overall health, this episode will help you rethink your approach and build a more sustainable way to train. Want to connect with Paul. Details below: Instagram – paul_edmonson_mta_gi   If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:  • Email: info@wellnesseducationdubai.com  • Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com • Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai • Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness • LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

    1h 3m
  3. APR 1

    Episode 162: The Science of Doom Scrolling - How Constant Stimulation Is Rewiring Your Brain Host: Matt Marney

    In this solo episode, Matt reflects on a recent experience stepping away from the high-stimulation environment of Dubai and noticing what changed when that constant input was reduced. This episode is not about location. It’s about what happens to your brain and nervous system when you are exposed to continuous stimulation — especially through your phone. Matt takes a deep dive into the science behind doom scrolling, dopamine, and why modern digital habits are making it harder to focus, regulate emotions, and function in everyday life. In this episode, Matt explores: What doom scrolling actually is and why it’s so addictive The role of dopamine and how constant stimulation hijacks reward systems How phone use impacts attention, focus, and cognitive performance The effect of high stimulation on the nervous system and baseline mood Why “normal life” can start to feel flat or underwhelming The connection between low stimulation, boredom, and recovery Practical ways to reduce stimulation and regain control of your attention This episode is for anyone who feels constantly distracted, overstimulated, or stuck in a loop of checking their phone without knowing why. It’s not about removing technology. It’s about understanding what it’s doing to you — and taking back control. If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:  • Email: info@wellnesseducationdubai.com  • Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com • Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai • Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness • LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

    35 min
  4. MAR 18

    Episode 161: Running with Gratitude - How Movement and Appreciation Can Change Lives Guest: Mark White, Founder of the Daily Five App

    In this episode, Matt speaks with Mark White, runner, entrepreneur, and founder of the Daily Five app. Mark is also the creator of the Grateful Mile and the community initiative Give Your Town a Runaround. Mark’s journey is one of transformation. After overcoming addiction and entering recovery, he discovered running as a powerful tool for rebuilding his life. What began as a personal practice eventually grew into a mission to help others improve their mental and physical wellbeing through movement, gratitude, and community. Together, they explore how simple daily habits can create meaningful change in people’s lives. In this conversation, they explore: Mark’s personal journey from addiction to recoveryHow running became a turning point in his lifeThe origins of the Grateful Mile and why gratitude mattersHow gratitude during movement can shift mindset and emotional stateThe power of simple daily habits for improving wellbeingThe creation of the Daily Five app and its missionBuilding community through initiatives like Give Your Town a RunaroundHow movement and gratitude can help people reconnect with themselves and othersIf you are looking for simple ways to improve your wellbeing, strengthen your mindset, and connect more deeply with others, this episode shows how movement and gratitude can become powerful tools for change. Want to connect with Mark. Details below; Instagram  @markwhite_0602 @gratefulmileofficial @dailyfiveofficial   Linkedin   Mark white    If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:  • Email: info@wellnesseducationdubai.com  • Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com • Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai • Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness • LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

    58 min
  5. MAR 4

    Episode 160: Helping Your Child Thrive During Exam Season

    In this solo episode, Matt shares practical advice for parents supporting their children through exam season. Each year, Matt delivers stress-management sessions in schools across Dubai, speaking separately to both parents and students so that everyone is aligned and working from the same blueprint. This episode brings that guidance to you. Exams are not just an academic challenge. They are a stress challenge. And during this period, protecting cognition is key. In this episode, Matt explores: The physiology of stress and how it affects memory, focus, and decision-makingWhy managing stress is really about protecting the brain’s ability to performThe common mistakes parents and students make during exam seasonA simple, practical framework called SPAMS to support performance and wellbeingSPAMS: S – Speak to someoneP – Plan and prepareA – Avoid distractionsM – MovementS – SleepThis episode offers a clear and actionable blueprint to help parents support their children during one of the most demanding periods of their academic life. If you are a parent navigating exam season, this episode is designed to help you stay calm, supportive, and aligned with what your child actually needs. If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:  • Email: info@wellnesseducationdubai.com  • Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com • Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai • Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness • LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

    35 min
  6. FEB 18

    Episode 159: From Drug Smuggler to Addiction Specialist - Why Addiction Is About More Than Drink and Drugs Guest: Mark Dempster, Addiction Specialist & Therapist, Harley Street London

    In this episode, Matt speaks with Mark Dempster, an addiction specialist and therapist based on Harley Street in central London. Mark works with people struggling with substance use and behavioural addictions, helping them understand the deeper drivers behind addictive patterns. Mark’s story is as powerful as the work he does today. Growing up on the streets of Glasgow in the 1970s, Mark became involved in drug dealing and drug smuggling before developing a heroin addiction himself. After becoming homeless on the streets of central London, Mark found a turning point selling The Big Issue, which ultimately led him to recovery. Over 20 years later, he is now one of the most sought-after addiction therapists in the UK. In this conversation, they explore: Why addiction is not just about drugs and alcoholThe rise of behavioural addictions in the modern worldThe role of dopamine and how modern life drives addictive behavioursAddictions beyond substances, including work, phone use, food, gambling, and pornographyWhy people are not always trying to get high, often they are trying to feel OKThe psychological and environmental drivers of addictionHope, recovery, and what actually helps people changeIf you are navigating modern life and feeling pulled towards coping mechanisms that are hard to control, this episode offers insight, compassion, and real-world understanding of addiction in today’s world. Want to connect with Mark. Details below  mark@markdempstercounselling.com www.markdempstercounselling.com   If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:  • Email: info@wellnesseducationdubai.com  • Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com • Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai • Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness • LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

    1h 7m
  7. FEB 4

    Episode 158: From Hero to Human – High performance at work starts with how you treat your people. Guest: Magda Snowden, Transformational Coach & Former Healthcare Leader

    In this episode, Matt speaks with Magda Snowden, a transformational coach with over 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership. Magda now uses her leadership experience to help organisations build stronger teams, develop better leaders, and improve performance at both individual and organisational levels. Together, they explore what really happens when organisations shift from “hero leadership” to human-centred leadership. In this conversation, they explore: What psychological safety actually is and why it mattersThe real meaning of engagement and how it shows up in teamsWhy allowing staff to make mistakes improves learning, innovation, and teamworkHow psychologically safe environments drive collaboration, cooperation, and new ideasWhy treating staff well is not just ethical, it is good for the bottom lineWhy gaining buy-in from senior leadership can be challengingPractical strategies for teams to create safer, more supportive working environmentsHow purpose, communication, and trust drive performanceWhether you are leading an organisation, managing a team, or influencing culture from the middle, this episode offers practical insight into how better people practices lead to better business outcomes. Want to connect with Magda. Details below: https://directory.cpdstandards.com/providers/thriving-together-llc/ http://magdasnowden.com/   If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:  • Email: info@wellnesseducationdubai.com  • Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com • Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai • Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness • LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)     Bottom of Form

    1h 2m
  8. JAN 21

    Episode 157: It’s Lonely at the Top. How We Can Help Leaders Lead Teams Better Guest: Lucy Kidd, Business Psychologist

    In this episode, Matt speaks with Lucy Kidd, a business psychologist with over 30 years’ experience working with leaders and teams across large organisations. Lucy has spent decades supporting senior leaders around emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and culture. In this conversation, we turn the focus toward the leaders themselves, particularly those who are quietly struggling behind the scenes. Together, we explore what leadership really looks like when the pressure is high and support is limited. In this conversation, they explore:  • What leaders typically struggle with but rarely talk about  • Why leadership can feel isolating, even at the top  • How Lucy works with leaders who are under sustained pressure  • The emotional load leaders carry and how it shows up at work  • The role of physical wellbeing in supporting emotional and psychological health  • Practical ways leaders can regulate stress and lead more effectively  • Why healthier leaders create healthier teams and cultures Whether you’re a senior leader, an entrepreneur, or someone responsible for managing people, this episode offers insight, reassurance, and practical ideas for leading with greater awareness and resilience. Want to connect with Lucy. Details below:    www.lucykidd.com Instagram @lucykiddleadership @collaborationequation Linkedin – Lucy Kidd     If you have a question for the podcast or are interested in working with Matt, you can reach out at:  • Email: info@wellnesseducationdubai.com  • Website: www.wellnesseducationdubai.com • Instagram: @wellness_education_dubai • Facebook: @mattmarneyfitness • LinkedIn: Matt Marney (Wellness Education Dubai)

    1h 1m
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Matt Marney has been working in the well-being space for over 20 years. He is a personal trainer, group exercise/Pilates instructor and meditation teacher. This unique blend and experience gives Matt an appreciation and understanding of the mind body connection and its role in promoting optimal health, wellbeing and performance. Over the last decade Matt has also worked as a teacher trainer where he shares his experience with movement teachers and fitness professionals. This role ensures Matt is up to date with the latest research and developments in the industry and he delivers this knowledge with passion and enthusiasm. After training hundreds of clients over the years he realised the same misconceptions about health and wellbeing came up time and again therefore he decided to start a corporate wellbeing company Wellness Education Dubai in the hope he could educate and motivate more people. He realised taking the right information and motivation to groups at the workplace could be more impactful and he enjoys educating and inspiring groups to become empowered and create agency (for individuals) to make real change. This podcast is another vehicle Matt uses to educate and motivate people more people.  

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