Running as Therapy: Breaking Down Mental Barriers with Buddy Detzel
This episode of DFW Running Talk features host Chris Detzel in conversation with his twin brother Buddy Detzel, a licensed professional counselor at Authentic Therapy Solutions. The discussion weaves together their shared experiences with running and explores the intersection of mental health and physical exercise.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Personal Running Journeys:
- Buddy shares how he started running at age 17 during a lonely period after moving in with his aunt and uncle
- His first marathon experience in 2010-2011, completing it in challenging conditions (37 degrees and rain) with an impressive time of 3:32
- Chris's journey back to running in his late thirties, inspired by Buddy during a difficult period post-divorce
2. Mental Health Benefits:
- Discussion of running as a coping mechanism
- The importance of exercise in regulating the nervous system
- How physical strength can contribute to mental resilience
- The role of exercise in managing depression and anxiety
3. Community Aspects:
- The significance of running groups in building relationships
- How organic connections form through shared activities
- Personal stories of friendships and relationships formed through running communities
- The evolution of running groups into social connections
4. Psychological Insights:
- The concept of the "dictator within" versus compassionate self-talk
- Dealing with mental blocks in performance
- The importance of psychological flexibility
- Handling injuries and setbacks with a balanced mindset
5. Family Impact:
- How their running habits have influenced their children
- The importance of modeling healthy behaviors
- Their children's developing interest in running and exercise
6. Professional Perspective:
- Buddy's insights as a licensed counselor on exercise and mental health
- The relationship between physical activity and therapy
- The importance of living according to one's values
- Strategies for maintaining psychological flexibility
The episode provides a unique blend of personal experiences, professional insights, and practical advice about the relationship between physical activity and mental well-being. The brotherly dynamic between Chris and Buddy adds an authentic and relatable element to the discussion, making complex topics more accessible to listeners.
The conversation concludes with information about Buddy's practice at Authentic Therapy Solutions, where he specializes in acceptance commitment therapy and bioenergetics therapy.
Running Time: Approximately 37 minutes
The episode successfully bridges the gap between running as a physical activity and its broader implications for mental health and community building, offering valuable insights for both experienced runners and those interested in the psychological aspects of exercise.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Personal Running Journeys:
- Buddy shares how he started running at age 17 during a lonely period after moving in with his aunt and uncle
- His first marathon experience in 2010-2011, completing it in challenging conditions (37 degrees and rain) with an impressive time of 3:32
- Chris's journey back to running in his late thirties, inspired by Buddy during a difficult period post-divorce
2. Mental Health Benefits:
- Discussion of running as a coping mechanism
- The importance of exercise in regulating the nervous system
- How physical strength can contribute to mental resilience
- The role of exercise in managing depression and anxiety
3. Community Aspects:
- The significance of running groups in building relationships
- How organic connections form through shared activities
- Personal stories of friendships and relationships formed through running communities
- The evolution of running groups into social connections
4. Psychological Insights:
- The concept of the "dictator within" versus compassionate self-talk
- Dealing with mental blocks in performance
- The importance of psychological flexibility
- Handling injuries and setbacks with a balanced mindset
5. Family Impact:
- How their running habits have influenced their children
- The importance of modeling healthy behaviors
- Their children's developing interest in running and exercise
6. Professional Perspective:
- Buddy's insights as a licensed counselor on exercise and mental health
- The relationship between physical activity and therapy
- The importance of living according to one's values
- Strategies for maintaining psychological flexibility
The episode provides a unique blend of personal experiences, professional insights, and practical advice about the relationship between physical activity and mental well-being. The brotherly dynamic between Chris and Buddy adds an authentic and relatable element to the discussion, making complex topics more accessible to listeners.
The conversation concludes with information about Buddy's practice at Authentic Therapy Solutions, where he specializes in acceptance commitment therapy and bioenergetics therapy.
Running Time: Approximately 37 minutes
The episode successfully bridges the gap between running as a physical activity and its broader implications for mental health and community building, offering valuable insights for both experienced runners and those interested in the psychological aspects of exercise.
Creators and Guests
Host
Chris Detzel
Chris Detzel is the passionate host and creator of "DFW Running Talk," the premier podcast dedicated to showcasing the vibrant running community across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Since launching the show in October 2024, Chris has established himself as a central voice in North Texas running culture, conducting in-depth conversations with elite athletes, coaches, race directors, and inspiring everyday runners who define the region's diverse running scene. As both interviewer and active participant in the DFW running community, Chris brings an authentic perspective shaped by years of personal running experience. While he describes himself as primarily a half marathon runner rather than a marathoner - citing the extensive training commitment and unpredictability of marathon race day - his deep knowledge of running culture spans the full spectrum from 5Ks to ultramarathons. His preference for half marathons stems from their balance of challenge and accessibility, allowing him to race monthly without the intensive training demands of longer distances. Chris's connection to elite running runs through his family - his wife Lea Ivy is an accomplished marathoner who has completed the Boston Marathon 12 times consecutively, achieving a personal best of 3:14 at age 45. This personal connection to high-level competition, combined with his own running journey, gives Chris unique insight into both the elite and recreational sides of the sport. He often travels to Boston to support Lea's racing and has become part of the broader running community that gathers around major events like the Boston Marathon. Through DFW Running Talk, Chris has created more than just a podcast - he's built a platform that celebrates the depth and diversity of North Texas running talent. His interviews reveal the stories behind local legends, from sub-3:00 marathoners to innovative coaches, from race directors creating memorable experiences to everyday runners achieving extraordinary personal transformations. The show has featured conversations with accomplished athletes like Shantel Cloud (sub-3:00 marathoner), Travis Dowd (Dallas Marathon winner), and Mimi Smith (Olympic Trials competitor), alongside community builders and running industry professionals. What sets Chris apart as a host is his ability to connect with guests on multiple levels - as a fellow runner who understands training cycles and race strategy, as a community member invested in the local running scene, and as a skilled interviewer who draws out both technical insights and personal stories. His approach prioritizes authentic conversation over surface-level inspiration, resulting in episodes that offer genuine value to runners of all levels. Based in the Dallas area, Chris continues to grow DFW Running Talk's reach across multiple platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube, while maintaining strong connections to local running organizations like Dallas Running Club and participating in the broader Texas running community. His work documents and celebrates a running culture that he believes is "way more badass than it has any right to be."
Guest
Buddy Detzel
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in helping busy people make meaningful changes, even when feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety—like racing thoughts or panic attacks—or healing from trauma, I offer practical, evidence-based support. As an EMDR-trained clinician, I help clients process distressing memories and build resilience. My approach blends attentive listening with proven techniques, guiding you to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and purpose. Together, we’ll focus on creating measurable improvements and fostering a more balanced, fulfilling life.