College PRograms

A Better High

KEYNOTE

Workshops

KEYNOTE

Stand-Up Comedy Night

ENTERTAINMENT

Public Speaking/Stand-up Comedy

WORKSHOP

KEYNOTE: “A Better High”

Target Event

Orientations, NCAA Programs,Conferences

Ideal Audience Size

100 – 5,000
depending on the venue

Duration

70 minutes

This informative and humorous presentation focuses on natural highs and creating healthy habits in college.  Matt’s comedic style, interactive demonstrations and inspirational stories are an ideal combination for college audiences.  In addition, current research on resilience, mental health and substance abuse are integrated into the program.  Matt also shares his story of college prevention leadership, as the founder of a nationally recognized student group at Bucknell University.

Outcomes

  • Gain an understanding of the science behind natural highs, such as the neurotransmitters released during running, laughing and loving others. 
  • Recognize the importance of positive social support, including having friends who make healthier choices around alcohol and other drugs.
  • Learn about the protective factors that increase resilience and mental health in college students.
  • Be able to discuss the effects of marijuana and alcohol use on the brain when used prior to the age of 25.
  • Have fun and associate having fun with prevention in college.

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Workshops

Target Event

Peer Health Educators, Student Leaders, Residence Staff

Ideal Audience Size

50 or less

Duration

60-90 minutes

“Booze, Behavior and the Brain”  
Alcohol remains the drug of choice for young people. Nearly a quarter of 12th graders reported binge drinking in the past month (Monitoring the Future Survey, 2013). However, neuroscientists are just beginning to learn about the life-long changes caused by adolescent binge drinking. The adolescent brain is uniquely vulnerable to risk-taking and addiction, both potential outcomes of frequent binge drinking. This workshop is an interactive discussion of the effects of alcohol use on the developing brain and behavior. Dr. Bellace uses humor and a non-judgmental approach to convey neuroscience research that supports choosing healthy natural highs over chemical highs like alcohol.

“Pot, Behavior and the Brain.”
Some people believe that pot is “like salad.” This funny, but sadly inaccurate statement is consistent with the data showing a decrease in the number of young people who disapprove of regular pot use (Monitoring the Future Survey, 2010). The relaxation of state marijuana laws, smoking of the drug as “medicine” and spread of misinformation through pop culture creates an illusion that pot is safe for the adolescent brain. This workshop is an interactive discussion of the effects of marijuana use on the developing brain and behavior. Dr. Bellace uses humor and a non-judgmental approach to convey neuroscience research that supports choosing healthy natural highs over chemical highs like marijuana.

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Stand-up Comedy Night

Ideal Audience: Students, Parents and Teachers

Ideal Audience Size:  30 or more

Duration: 90 minutes

This event is a great way to take Matt’s natural high message to the next level. The stand-up comedy show is perfect for high school-aged students and their parents.  This show brings the laughs without relying on material that promotes substance abuse.  The show lasts up to 90 minutes and includes Matt and two other comedians from New York City.  Past shows have included comedians such as Joe Matarese from The Late Show with David Letterman and Comedy Central Presents, Ted Alexandro from The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan O’Brian and Jimmy Kimmel Live and a nationally known improv comedy troupe called The Indicators.

Public Speaking/Stand-up Comedy Workshop

Ideal Audience: Students and Staff

Ideal Audience Size:  30 or more

Duration: 90 minutes

In this workshop, Dr. Bellace will lead a discussion of effective public speaking techniques when working with all audiences.  In addition, he will encourage select members of the audience to put together a brief (2-3 minute) presentation about a topic they feel compelled to share with audiences.  Dr. Bellace will create a supportive environment to debrief each participant on what worked and what could be improved the next time.  This is great opportunity to learn from a professional speaker on how to deliver content effectively to an audience.

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