What if smiling could actually change how you experience pain?

In this episode, Keegan reflects on the contrast between the Tokyo Marathon, one of his toughest races and the London Marathon, where he PB’d and had one of his best performances ever. The difference wasn’t just physical… it was how he experienced the race.

Article: Jazlyn H. Luu, Amanda M. Acevedo, Vida Pourmand & Sarah D. Pressman (2026) The power of smiles: mitigating pain through facial expression, The Journal of Positive Psychology, 21:2, 321-330, DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2025.2462231
Lower heart rate
Regulate stress
Improve emotional recovery after pain

Importantly - it doesn’t reduce the pain itself, but it changes your response to it.

We break down the science, the psychology, and how something as simple as a smile can shift your performance and mindset in high-pressure moments.

Tokyo Marathon Recap

London Marathon Recap

 

What if smiling could actually change how you experience pain?
In this episode, Keegan reflects on the contrast between the Tokyo Marathon, one of his toughest races and the London Marathon, where he PB&rsquo;d and had one of his best performances ever. The difference wasn&rsquo;t just physical&hellip; it was how he experienced the race.
Article: Jazlyn H. Luu, Amanda M. Acevedo, Vida Pourmand &amp; Sarah D. Pressman (2026) The power of smiles: mitigating pain through facial expression, The Journal of Positive Psychology, 21:2, 321-330, DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2025.2462231
<ul data-start="584" data-end="666">
<li data-section-id="1ycm4zn" data-start="584" data-end="604">Lower heart rate</li>
<li data-section-id="1uxdjoh" data-start="605" data-end="624">Regulate stress</li>
<li data-section-id="1uneh11" data-start="625" data-end="666">Improve emotional recovery after pain</li>
</ul>
Importantly - it doesn&rsquo;t reduce the pain itself, but it changes your response to it.
We break down the science, the psychology, and how something as simple as a smile can shift your performance and mindset in high-pressure moments.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8OexbhcfJ8">Tokyo Marathon Recap</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuoDc0CNSR8">London Marathon Recap</a>
&nbsp;

Ever wondered what drives the world’s top athletes beyond the scoreboard?

Former professional NRL player Keegan Hipgrave uncovers the untold truths about mental health, resilience, and redefining success - one candid conversation at a time.

Ever wondered what drives the world&rsquo;s top athletes beyond the scoreboard?
Former professional NRL player Keegan Hipgrave uncovers the untold truths about mental health, resilience, and redefining success - one candid conversation at a time.