Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained
Walking seems simple — but the impact it has on your mind, body, and longevity is anything but. Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained explores evidence-based articles, expert insights, and wellness research to uncover why this everyday movement is one of the most powerful tools for better health. Whether you're on a stroll or just curious, this podcast brings you the facts, one step at a time from published articles set out to explore the science of walking.
Episodes
61 episodes
My Walking Story: A Hike Along Old Jail Lane, Cape Cod
Every week, I ask listeners to share their walking stories. This week, I'm sharing one of my own.Join me as I take you along Old Jail Lane in Cape Cod, Massachusetts—a hike that reminded me why walking is about so much more than exercise...
Nutrition Advice for Walkers from a Registered Dietitian - From First Steps to Menopause
What should walkers eat to support their energy, health, and long-term goals? In this episode I sit down with registered dietitian Carol Nocella to discuss the science of nutrition, fueling your walks, healthy aging, and nutrition strateg...
Is It Possible to Walk Too Much?
Can you walk too much?If walking is one of the healthiest things we can do, is there ever a point where more isn't better?In this episode, we're exploring what happens when walking goes from beneficial to potentially problematic. ...
Walking Is Everywhere: Festivals, Parades, and Other Surprising Ways to Move More
Walking doesn't have to mean laps around the neighborhood or another session on the treadmill.In this episode we're exploring the many surprising ways people walk around the world—and why some of the best walking experiences happen when ...
Why a Walk by the Water Feels Different
In this episode we explore the growing science of blue spaces—environments where water is a prominent feature—and what researchers have discovered about their effects on mood, stress, attention, and overall well-being.You'll learn...
The Science of Walking to Music
In this episode we explore the fascinating connection between music and movement. You'll learn what researchers have discovered about how music can influence walking pace, motivation, enjoyment, and even how difficult a walk feels.
Music, Walking and Conversation (Anniversary Episode)
One year ago, I launched Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained with a simple goal: to explore the science behind one of the most accessible and powerful things we can do for our health—walking.For this special anniver...
Walking at Every Pace: Why Health Doesn't Have a Size Requirement
What if you stopped waiting until you were fitter, lighter, faster, or more confident to start walking?In this episode we explore an important truth: walking is for every body and every pace. Whether you're just beginning your fitness jo...
A Walking Story: Walking the Camino with José Andrés
What happens when one of the world's most celebrated chefs sets out on one of the world's most famous walking journeys?In this episode, I read an inspiring article from Outside magazine in which chef, humanitarian, and World Cen...
Top Walking Vacations
What if your next vacation was built around walking?In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we're taking a journey around the world to explore some of the most incredible walking vacations on ...
Walkability and Health: The Changing Lanes Story with Filmmaker Ben Wolf
What if one of the most important factors affecting our health isn't how much we walk—but whether our communities make walking possible in the first place?In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Ben Wolf, director of the documentary <...
Stretching After a Walk: Does It Really Matter?
In our last episode, we explored the benefits of adding strength training after a walk. This week, we're shifting our focus to another popular post-walk activity: stretching.Should you stretch after a walk? Can stretching prevent sorenes...
The Perfect Pair: The Best Strength Training Exercises After a Walk
You've finished your walk. Now what?Many people head straight for the couch, but science suggests that spending just 10–15 minutes on a few simple strength exercises after your walk can improve muscle strength, bone health, balance, meta...
Walking Your Soul Story: How Confidence Is Built One Step at a Time with Dr. Sandra Hamilton
In this episode I sit down with Dr. Sandra Hamilton, Confidence Builder and Rapid Transformational Therapist, at the site of her retreat in Portland, Jamaica to discuss her transformational retreats, where she helps people uncover the stories t...
From Walking to Hiking: How to Make the Leap Successfully
Thinking about trying hiking but not sure how to make the transition from regular walking? In this episode of Why Walking Matters, we break down the step-by-step evolution from walker to hiker.Learn how your body adapts to trail...
Walking, Aging & Bone Strength
Can walking actually strengthen your bones?In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we explore the science behind walking and bone health. Learn how walking helps maintain bone density, why weight-bearing m...
Walking Matters Beyond Fitness
Most episodes of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained focus on research and the science behind walking. But this episode is different.Today, we explore a powerful coming-of-age story set on the Appalachian Trail — a story ...
Why Walking Beats Most Workouts
Most workouts fail because they rely on intensity instead of sustainability. In this episode, we break down why walking may be more effective than most forms of exercise — including running — when it comes to long-term results. <...
Walking and Foot Care
Foot pain is one of the biggest reasons people stop walking - but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, we break down the most common causes of foot discomfort and how to fix them so you can walk consistently and comfortably.
Walking Results: What Actually Happens When You Walk Consistently
What results can you actually expect from walking? From weight loss to mental health to long-term longevity, this episode breaks down what really happens when you walk consistently — and why most people quit too early.
The Perfect Walking Routine: Build Consistency, Build Confidence
If confidence gets you out the door, structure is what gets you results. In this episode, we break down a simple, science-backed walking routine — how long to walk, how often, and how to make it stick.
Are You a Confident Walker? (The Science Behind Consistency)
In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we explore what it really means to be a confident walker—and why confidence may matter more than motivation when it comes to staying consistent. Learn how belief in your ab...
Walking and Menopause — What the Science Says
In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we explore how walking can support your body during menopause. Backed by research, we break down how regular walking may help improve heart health, manage weight changes, r...
Are You Walking Correctly? A Masterclass on Walking Form
In this episode of Why Walking Matters: The Science Explained, we break down the fundamentals of proper walking form. Learn how posture, stride length, arm swing, and pace all impact how efficiently you move—and how small adjustm...
The Science of Walking: A Conversation with a Kinesiologist
In this episode, we explore the science of walking with a kinesiologist who studies human movement. We discuss what happens in the body when we walk, how walking improves health, common mistakes people make, and how to build a walking routine t...