The Steep Stuff Podcast

Send us Fan MailA late-race surge, a flow-state descent, and a new home with the bird—this conversation with Jane Moss is pure momentum. We kick off with Black Canyon 50K where Jane, still two weeks removed and sore in all the usual places, explains how a volume-first, low‑workout block set her up to race by feel. She breaks down the risk of going out hot, the mental game of tuning out hype, and the moment she finally spotted the leader's hat and decided to chase. It's a masterclass in pacing, patience, and trusting your body when the course is fast and the field runs deep.From the desert to the Pyrenees, Jane takes us inside her 2025 Worlds experience: a chaotic mass start, a wasp's nest stinging the pack, and a short trail course that felt more like a sky race—steep, technical, and unforgiving. She shares how early course previews paid off, why she managed effort to protect a top‑ten finish, and how running with teammates in Spain reinforced the habits that keep her sharp: sleep, simple routines, and a clear head. The confidence shift is obvious—she's not just a mountain specialist anymore; she's versatile on fast terrain and happy to prove it.Then we climb. Jane details the Grand Teton FKT: five total reps in a month, dialing lines through boulder fields and saddles, and testing how her head handles exposure. A rival's quick mark dented confidence, but a tight weather window turned pressure into freedom. She climbed better than ever, hit the summit ahead of schedule, and descended in a rare flow state to set 3:45. That single day expanded her map of what's possible and set the tone for bigger mountain goals.We wrap on her signing with Arc'teryx and why it matters. Jane wants a brand that values both racing and ambitious objectives, and she's already feeding product teams real-world input on shoes for mixed terrain—think flatirons scrambles, Madeira's ridges, and fast 50Ks. Her 2026 plan blends it all: a true sky race in Spain, Madeira 56K, Minotaur, a Wasatch Whirl FKT attempt, CCC, and aspirational times on Longs and Whitney. Subscribe, share, and leave a review—then tell us: which goal should Jane prioritize next?Follow Jane ! - @_janemaus_Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailA helmet for the whole race. Crumbly rock. Big exposure. And somehow a course record anyway. We're joined by Kalie McCrystal fresh off her win at the Quattro Refugios Sky Race in Bariloche, Argentina, and she walks us through what made the day click, from setting the pace early to chasing a time goal when the gap opened up. If you love skyrunning, mountain running, and the gritty details that separate a good day from a great one, this conversation delivers.We also zoom out to the bigger arc of Kalie's story: early running talent, a long injury that pushed her into other sports, and the moment Squamish trail running finally gave her a home for technical terrain. From local breakthroughs to Sky Masters in Spain, she explains how confidence is built one start line at a time, and why her best performances show up when the route turns into a scramble. Along the way we get into training specifics that actually match skyraces: ski touring as a base, steep vert “panic training,” downhill durability, and weighted hiking that sometimes looks like carrying a paraglider up a mountain.Then we go where most athlete interviews don't: sponsorships, contracts, NDAs, and pay gaps between Canada, the US, and Europe. With her background as a corporate lawyer, Callie shares how she evaluates brand deals, why she won't trade her value for free shoes, and what athletes should think about when they negotiate. We wrap with what's next, including more technical FKTs like the Armchair Traverse, Skyrunner stops in Europe and Peru, and the pull of iconic races like Kima.If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a mountain-running friend, and leave a five-star rating and review so more people can find it.Follow Kalie on IG - @kalie_mccFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textYou can feel the momentum from the first minute: a year after his last visit, Alex King returns with a bigger warehouse, a stronger brand story, and the same stubborn commitment to making trail running gear people can actually afford. We dig into the founder's rollercoaster—$75k days, quiet slumps, and the steady routine that carries him through both—and why he refuses to chase competitors or rent attention with paid ads. Instead, Alex lays out a different model: build products that solve real problems, price them honestly, and publish your numbers so customers can see exactly where their money goes.We go behind the scenes on the Valhalla vest, from months of sampling to a six-figure production leap that could have ended Terignōta if it flopped. Alex speaks openly about risk tolerance, Shopify loans, and the constant tension between perfecting a prototype and committing to scale. He shares how tariffs factor into decisions, why bandwidth is a finite asset, and how customer service—done with patience, ownership, and a human voice—can turn a tough email into a lifelong fan. We also explore his marketing stance: no Meta, no Google, no hype tax. The payoff is trust, community-led growth, and prices that don't creep upward to feed an ad machine.On the athletic side, Alex breaks down wins at Cirque Series Crystal and UTMB Whistler 100K, the mindset shift that helped him run free of external pressure, and the lingering realities of an old Achilles rupture that changed his body but not his ceiling. He previews restocks and launches—updated fleece with recycled polyester, a sun hoodie and long sleeve in testing, and half tights heading into production—while keeping the brand's north star clear: useful design, fair pricing, and transparency that speaks for itself.If you believe great gear shouldn't require a second mortgage, or you're wrestling with how to build a brand without selling your soul to ads, this conversation will stick with you. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves the trails, and leave a review to help more runners find the show.Shop Terignōta Follow Terignōta on IG - @TerignōtaFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textBig news meets bigger mountains. We sit down with Robin Vieira Brower to unpack her dual signing with Oiselle—as a professional athlete and the brand's director of marketing—and explore how one decision can reset what's possible for women in endurance sport. Robin opens up about the timing, the “duality” behind the announcement, and why showing the whole athlete matters just as much as splitting seconds on course.We trace Oiselle's roots back to 2007, their return to trail, and a fresh strategy that prioritizes the moments around the moment: training blocks, travel days, recovery, motherhood, injury, and everything that shapes a race without showing up on the results sheet. Instead of slicing the sport into road, track, trail, or gravel, the focus is on gear that flexes with a woman's life—fit, function, and feel that actually move with her from strides to summits. Robin explains how athlete voices are baked into product cycles that stretch to 2028, and why that long view is essential for meaningful innovation.If skyrunning still sounds mysterious, prepare to get hooked. Robin lays out what makes these courses so electric—steep vert, technical ridges, and weather that turns tactics into art—then walks through a bold 2026 plan that balances the Skyrunner World Series with the U.S. regional circuit. We talk Whiteface, Beast of Big Creek, Kismet, and the tough calls when two great races land on the same weekend. Along the way, we get candid on the gravel boom, the value of athlete-led design, and the growing trend of pros taking real roles inside brands to build what comes after peak performance.This is a story about clarity over hype, purpose over trend, and how a thoughtful career can climb as high as any skyline. If you care about skyrunning, trail culture, and better gear shaped by the people who test it at the limit, you'll find a lot to love here. Subscribe, share with a training partner, and leave a quick review to help more runners discover the show.Follow Robin on IG - @mindfullyrobinFollow Oiselle on IG - @oiselleFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textThe path from a bumpy summer to a national kit isn't straight, and that's exactly why this conversation hits. We sit down with Canadian trail standout Josh Potvin to unpack a season that tested his patience, his calf, and his mindset—then set him up to go bigger. From the rocky, runnable rhythm of Canfranc to the endless descent of hard-packed switchbacks, Josh explains how terrain specificity can scramble podium math and why wearing your country's colors feels different than chasing points in a sponsor kit.We open up the hood on support and systems. Josh draws a clear line between the deep coaching staffs of European programs and the leaner setups in North America, and he points to real steps Canada is taking to invest smarter between championship years. Then we get tactical. After years with marathon ace Dylan Wykes, Josh moved to coach Matt Daniels to match his growing ultra focus. The shift isn't about exotic workouts—it's about less weekend stacking, more weekday substance, and a simple schedule change that's paying off: morning quality runs, late work starts, and consistency that compounds. Toss in a nutrition reset with a dietitian—hydration habits, gut training, and enough calories when it counts—and you get a foundation built for longer days.With that base set, Josh lays out what's next: a return to the fast, deceptively painful Chuckanut 50K and a leap to Canyons 100K, where the goal is to execute, learn the distance, and see what disciplined pacing can do. We also look ahead to the Canadian Championships at Quebec Mega Trail, the Golden Trail stop elevating the Eastern scene, and why keeping the late-summer calendar loose might be the smartest competitive edge. If you care about trail strategy, life–training balance, and the quiet mechanics that turn “fit” into “ready,” this one's for you.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend, and drop a rating and review—it helps more curious runners find conversations like this.Follow Josh on IG - @jjpotvinFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textWant to see a kid light up after nailing a steep climb? We sat down with pros Joseph Gray, Annie Hughes, and Dreama Walton to unpack how a three-day Colorado Springs Trail Running Camp turns second through eighth graders into confident movers and thoughtful trail stewards. Set in the shade of North Cheyenne Canyon, the camp blends short runs, hands-on drills, and creek-side cool-downs with simple lessons on leave no trace, hydration, sunscreen, and gear that actually fits the terrain.We dig into why starting young matters. While many U.S. runners first meet endurance on the track, this camp gives kids a feel for real trails: how to lean into climbs, place their feet on descents, pass safely on tight corners, and choose lines that build control. The coaches demonstrate good and bad form so kids see it before they try it. A nutritionist stops by to explain fueling on hot days, and a gear segment demystifies tread, traction, and midsoles. Groups split by ability so smaller kids stay close and older athletes can stretch out; everyone circles back for obstacle courses, stretching, and yoga.Race day ties it together. A relay format teaches pacing, teamwork, and confidence, with mantras written on the back of bibs to meet the tough moments head-on. Thanks to sponsors and community support, the registration stays family-friendly and often includes shoes, shirts, bottles, snacks, and electrolytes—lowering the barrier to a sport that can change a child's life. We also share dates, location, capacity, and how volunteers can help keep kids safe, stoked, and seen.If you know a young runner—or a curious newbie—send them this and help them register. Subscribe for more stories from the trail community, share this episode with a parent or coach, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Who's the first kid you'd bring to the canyon?REGISTRATION - @COS-TRCK_RegistrationVOLUNTEER - @COS-TRCK_VolunteerFollow COS-TRCK on Instagram - @COS_TRCKFollow COS-TRCK on Youtube - @COS_TRCKFollow the Coaches Follow Dreama Walton - @dreamawaltonFollow Joseph Gray - @joegeeziFollow Annie Hughes - @annie.a.hughesFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textBig news drops: we're adding two late-season mountain classics to the Cirque Series calendar and turning it into a true coast-to-coast slate. Jay Peak in Vermont brings 7.1 miles with 3,044 feet of climbing and a rugged, two-peak ridge that blends flowy running with real technical spice. One week later, Mount Baldy in Southern California delivers 9.1 miles and 3,926 feet of vert over the iconic Devil's Backbone, cresting Mount San Antonio at 11,000-plus feet with the Pacific on the horizon and LA at your back.We break down what makes each venue special. Jay Peak sits perfectly for Northeast athletes and our neighbors in Quebec and Montreal, with a tram-side festival zone and fast, character-filled double singletrack on the descent. Baldy is rootsy and high-alpine, shockingly close to Ontario Airport, and built for a finish-line party at a mom-and-pop ski hill with deep local pride. Expect steep pushes, ridge exposure, big views, and descents you can actually open up on—plus dates and temps that hit the sweet spot for post-UTMB and fall racing.We also share how a 10-race national series comes together: thoughtful course design that avoids bottlenecks, a summit-first ethos, and an evolving overall-points plan that rewards your best finishes rather than pure volume. With three East races now at or above 3,000 feet of vert and seven in the West, the stage is set for new rivalries, fresh community energy, and one unified title worth chasing. Registration is open, dates are set—Jay Peak on September 26 and Mount Baldy on October 3—and the competition looks fierce.Ready to pick your line and join us on the ridge? Hit play for the full details, then subscribe, share with a friend who loves vert, and leave a quick review to help more runners find the show. Which course are you targeting first?Register for Cirque Series Jay Peak (Sept 26th) - @Cirque JayPeakRegister for Cirque Series Baldy (October 3rd) - @Cirque BaldyCheck out the Cirque Series Website for All Races - TheCirqueSeriesFollow the Cirque Series on Instagram - @cirqueseriesFollow Julian Carr on Instagram - @juliancarrFollow Steve White on Instagram - @steve_white2Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textStart with a helmet-required skyrace where five to six hours at altitude is just the warm-up, then jump to an Olympic mixed relay finish decided by seconds. That's the energy we ride as we unpack a month that felt like a full season: Four Refugios fireworks, Anna Gibson and Cam Smith nearly nabbing a medal, and a Black Canyon weekend that proved how fast trail running has become.We break down why Kelly McChrystal's course record matters beyond a single win—technical fluency, risk management, and South American depth are resetting expectations. Then we relive the Olympic sprint-to-relay arc and ask the big what-if: how would a vertical event tip the podium toward pure uphill specialists? Back in Arizona, we parse the 50K and 100K storylines—from late-race surges to course record composure—and talk honestly about why road stars can shake up the field yet still face a different sport on dirt: downhill economy, fueling on uneven terrain, and heat pacing.The business side hits just as hard. We map free agency moves—Grayson Murphy and Joseph Gray's open lanes, Arc'teryx landing Jane Moss and Kyle Richardson, Nike ACG adding Jennifer Lichter—and what they signal about team-building and athlete value. Then we translate the alphabet soup of series into plain English: Golden Trail now counts four best results plus a heavyweight final, adds segment points and team rankings; Skyrunner splits red vs white races to concentrate elite matchups; WRMA World Cup rewards volume and brings the strongest governance and testing. If you're choosing a calendar, we outline how travel, recovery, and points interact so you can peak where it pays.We also debut two fresh mountain tests: Cirque Series Jay Peak in Vermont and Mount Baldy in Southern California, creating a true coast-to-coast arc from June to October. Finally, we detail US selections for WRMA finals in Quebec and Poland, and how athletes can thread series goals with national team ambitions without burning matches too early. Tap play for strategy, results, and a candid look at where short trail running is headed this year—then tell us what you'd race and why. If you're into smart training, bold racing, and real talk on contracts and points, hit follow, share with a friend, and drop a review with your biggest takeaway.Follow Rachel on IG ! - @rachrunsworldFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textWhat if getting cut—twice—was the best thing that ever happened to your running? We sit down with 2025 Collegiate National Trail Champion Zach Erickson to unpack how a BYU distance runner rebuilt his confidence, found joy on steep terrain, and turned setbacks into podiums at races like Snowbird and the Pikes Peak Ascent.Zach brings a candid look at pressure inside an elite NCAA program, the chronic pelvis injury that sidelined him for a year, and the mental spiral that came with fearing failure. Then the story bends: friends nudge him onto trails, the vertical clicks immediately, and he applies an analytic eye to course scouting that pays off fast. We talk why steep gradients suit his physiology, how he handled high altitude without a fancy setup, and why gratitude—not grind—became the engine for progress.Beyond trail running, Zach shares the cross‑training that keeps him sharp. He joins a local cycling team, races Zwift, and uses the bike to build the same climbing power he needs for uphill miles. He even dabbles in triathlon, battling through the swim and still running into top overall finishes—proof that versatility and humility can coexist with high goals. Looking ahead, Zach calls his shot on the US Mountain Running Team, circles vertical races like Broken Arrow for redemption, and targets big rides like LOTOJA alongside local canyon KOMs.If you care about mountain running, uphill training, injury comebacks, or building an aerobic engine without burning out, this one hits home. Come for the Pikes Peak insights and BYU war stories, stay for the practical takeaways on mindset, cross‑training, and racing where your strengths shine. Enjoy the conversation and, if it resonates, subscribe, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review to help more runners find the show.Follow Zachary on IG - @zacheriksonFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textSkyrunning on American granite hits different. We sat down with race director Tom Hooper of 603 Endurance to unpack why the Kismet Cliff Run belongs at the center of a revitalized Skyrunner USA—and how the Northeast became a proving ground for steep, technical racing that rewards guts as much as VO2.We get specific about Kismet's design: fast beachside start at Echo Lake, a brutal haul to Cathedral and Whitehorse, slick slabs, exposed ridgelines across the Moats, and a descent that taxes every ankle. Tom traces the race's locals‑only roots to its current moment, backed by a $20,000 prize purse from Merrell and serious media ambitions. We talk travel and logistics—why North Conway works with multiple nearby airports, abundant lodging, and a new trail hub from Marathon Sports—and how that infrastructure invites bigger fields, deeper competition, and better storytelling.From there, we zoom out. With Golden Trail stepping away from U.S. dates, can Skyrunner USA claim the space without overcomplicating points or definitions? Tom shares candid thoughts on course certification, simple rankings, and the kind of coverage that keeps fans engaged. We challenge the status quo on athlete pay, agents, and NDAs, arguing for transparency and consistent prize structures that elevate short‑trail specialists. We also spotlight a rising pipeline in the Northeast—names you know and names you will—plus the realistic path to a multi‑race festival weekend that feels like Broken Arrow on the other coast.If you care about where American short trail is headed—athlete opportunities, prize money, media quality, and the races worth traveling for—this conversation maps the terrain. Listen, share with a friend who loves steep miles, and leave a review with your take: Should Kismet be the Skyrunner USA championship, and what would you change to grow the sport? Subscribe for more sharp, on‑the‑ground stories all season.Follow Tom Hooper - @tomhooper603Follow Six03 Endurance - @six03enduranceRegister for the Sunapee Scramble - SUNAPEERegister for the Loon Mountain Race - LOONRegister for the Ragged 75 Stage Race & 50K - RAGGEDFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textStart lines are loud, data is messy, and mountains don't care about your watch. We sat down with coach and ultrarunner Addison Smith to sort the signal from the noise: when to trust rate of perceived exertion, when heart rate zones help, and how to train for races that start cool, turn hot, and punish mistakes. Addison opens with a candid Black Canyon 100K recap—pacing with restraint, GI trouble in the middle miles, and the stubborn choice to keep fueling until the legs came back—then flips it into a toolkit you can use right away.We break down a simple, usable RPE scale and show how to layer it with heart rate ranges without becoming a slave to numbers. On steep and technical terrain, grades, heat, and altitude can skew heart rate and pace; RPE keeps you honest. For heat adaptation, Addison shares a safe, effective 7–10 day protocol using sauna or hot baths after easy sessions in the 2–3 weeks before race day. The rule is “stimulus, not another workout”: 20–30 minutes, hydrate well, shorten after long runs, and avoid the temptation to “win” the sauna.If Pikes Peak or big vert is on your calendar, you'll want the over-under session in your toolbox. We explain how short VO2 surges followed immediately by threshold or steady state teach your body to shuttle lactate and your mind to settle when it craves a break—exactly the skill you need cresting steep switchbacks and rolling into runnable terrain. We also tackle the puzzle of why a crusher on the Manitou Incline might still have a modest mile PR: specificity, mechanics, and background sports make climbing strength and flat speed different beasts.Throughout, we talk block training vs “a bit of everything,” the real role of zone two, and how life stress quietly shifts your zones day to day. We close with a reality check on coaching changes—why results often lag new systems—and shout out standout CTS performances at Black Canyon. Subscribe, share with a training partner, and leave a quick review to help more trail athletes find the show. What guides your long runs most—heart rate, pace, or feel? Tell us after you listen.Follow Addison on IG - @addison_smith16Contact Addison for Coaching - @CTSFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textWhat happens when raw talent, relentless prep, and an unfiltered voice collide with a sport increasingly driven by optics? We sit down with elite trail runner and coach Michelino Senseri to talk wins, world teams, a headline-grabbing Grand Teton FKT, and what the culture gets wrong—and right—about mountain running today. It's an honest, funny, and deeply practical conversation that moves from emus on leashes to cameras on social trails, from pacer debates at Western States to how influencer marketing is reshaping who gets seen and paid.Michelino opens up about the craft of coaching: building durable athletes with VO2 work, smart plyometrics, and week-over-week progress you can actually feel. We dig into why human coaching still matters in an AI world, how accountability beats templates, and the difference between training that looks good online and training that actually moves the needle. If you care about performance, this is a masterclass in process over hype.We also go deep on injury and return-to-form strategy. Michelino breaks down living and racing with bulging discs, the tug-of-war between extension and decompression approaches, and what eight to twelve weeks of patient, consistent work can do for your spine and your season. Then we look ahead: CCC on the calendar, selective FKTs, a potential Grand Teton docuseries with too much story for a one-hour cut, and writing that may grow into a book.If you're tired of staged narratives and want the signal without the noise, this one's for you. Hit play for candid insights on coaching, culture, access, and how to stay grounded while getting fast. If you enjoyed the conversation, follow Michelino on Instagram, check out his coaching at mikelinosenseri.com, and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review to support the show.Follow Michelino on IG - @michelino_sunseriReach out to Michelino for Coaching - michelinosunseri.comMichelino Inquiries - @michelino_sunseriFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textSteep grades, sharper ideas, and zero fluff—this conversation with Jackson Cole tracks a season where grit meets growth. We start with the highlights: a win at Cirque Series Alyeska, more Cirque podiums at Killington and Grand Targhee, a strong Rut 28K, and a proud top‑26 at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships short trail. Then we zoom out to what shaped it all: a two‑week, 1,100‑mile bikepacking trip across New Zealand's South Island that built deep aerobic strength and reconnected Jackson with the Southern Alps, from Aspiring and Aoraki's glaciated faces to the ridge‑rich basins of Arthur's Pass and Nelson Lakes.Jackson breaks down why low‑altitude alpine can still feel massive, how technical courses reward decision‑making as much as VO2, and what The GOAT race showed him about grit over turnover. We revisit his hard push on T‑Winot in the Tetons—route choice, switchback ethics, and the line between fourth‑class flow and fifth‑class traps—and unpack the honest realities of chasing the Grand Teton FKT: weeks of scouting, precise acclimatization, and respect for the gold standards already set.Worlds in Canfranc gets the spotlight it deserves: a steep, technical course that elevated skyrunners who are lesser known stateside, a New Zealand team that punched above its weight with minimal federation support, and a personal moment of pride that lingers longer than a ranking. From there, we look at the sport's fault lines and opportunities—brand money flowing into short trail, the need to keep true skyrunning alive in North America, the promise of Beast of Big Creek, and why governance, fair access, and year‑round anti‑doping have to catch up with the cash.We wrap with a living 2026 sketch: Mount Marathon in Seward, a possible return to Minotaur, Beast of Big Creek, and a decision tree that includes Whistler, Speedgoat, and a Skyrunner World Series run depending on support. If you care about real mountains, real talk, and a future where athletes can race hard without selling the soul of the sport, this one hits home.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves steep trails, and leave a quick review so more mountain‑minded listeners can find us.Follow Jackson on IG - @jayrcoleeFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textBig changes hit short trail running, and we're here for all of it. We kick off The Substack with Rachel Tomajczyk to unpack the new Golden Trail World Series calendar, the late surge into Asia, and why a four-race-plus-final format forces athletes to rethink everything from training blocks to travel budgets. With no US stop on the GTWS schedule and Quebec Mega Trail standing alone in North America, the balance of power and opportunity shifts—especially for American athletes trying to build a season without burning out on flights.We pull apart the strategy calls that matter now: whether to base in Asia for Japan, China, and a technical South Korea final or bounce back and forth and risk jet lag; when to favor course specificity over brand obligations; and how to use Broken Arrow's massive platform even without GTWS points on offer. We also look at segment rankings—uphill, downhill, and flats—as a storytelling win that may widen gaps at the top without radically changing podiums. Safety gets a real upgrade too with the prologue removed from the final, a move we applaud after last year's fatigue-fueled injuries.Then we turn to the US National Skyrunning Series, with Whiteface, Beast of Big Creek, Ski Talk Scramble, and Kismet Cliff Run creating a steep, technical path on home soil. For athletes who want world-class competition minus transoceanic chaos, this is a timely alternative with real prize purses and accessible travel. Expect East Coast rock and root to reward different strengths than the smooth Euro burners, and watch for new names to break through.If you're mapping a 2024 season, this is the roadmap: pick your A-races, respect recovery, and let geography serve your goals. Subscribe, share with a trail friend, and leave a quick review to help more runners find the show. Got a question or a hot take on the calendar? Drop it our way and we might feature it next time.Follow Rachel on IG - @rachrunsworldFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textIntroducing The Sub Stack, The News Show for all Things Short Trail Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textYou press play for stoke, but stay for substance. We sit down with legendary endurance athlete and coach Travis Macy to unpack ski mountaineering's Olympic debut, the rise of Skimo Gold as “SportsCenter for Skimo,” and how smart storytelling can turn niche talents into household names. From the first shotgun blast at Leadville to adventure racing across continents, Travis connects the dots between joyful beginnings and professional systems that actually grow a sport.We dig into the sprint and mixed relay—how three minutes of mayhem can hinge on a flawless skin rip—and why Team USA's duo of Cam Smith and Anna Gibson has real medal potential. Travis explains the physiology behind these formats, why training low builds the power you can't access at 9,000 feet, and what a modern program looks like when you balance sleep-high, train-low blocks with precise transition practice and downhill control under redline fatigue. If you've ever wondered how to watch schemo like an insider, start by watching hands and feet.The conversation also tackles the big question: can schemo scale without losing its soul? We weigh the broadcast-ready sprint against the long, romantic epics of Pierramenta, and the absence of vertical and individual at the Games. Along the way, we spotlight youth pipelines in the U.S., how European systems give rivals a head start, and why star building—done with authenticity—creates the next wave of fans and athletes. Travis even opens up about auditioning for Olympic commentary and what it takes to make technical sport coverage sing.If you enjoyed this deep dive, follow Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show, share this episode with a friend who loves mountain sport, and leave a quick rating or review. Your support helps more people discover the athletes, stories, and ideas reshaping ski mountaineering and short trail.Follow Travis on IG - @travismacyFollow Skimo Gold on IG - @skimogoldSubscribe to Skimo Gold on Apple - @skimogoldSubscribe to Skimo Gold on Spotify - @skimogoldSubscribe to Skimo Gold on Youtube - @skimogoldFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textThe mountain weekend Flagstaff has been waiting for just showed up with big legs and bigger lungs. We sit down with race director Aaron Barber to unpack how Flagstaff Sky Peaks evolved from a “nice race in the pines” into a full three-day festival at Arizona Snowbowl, built around steep ski runs, high-altitude ridgelines, and a finish-line scene right by the lodge. From a Friday uphill lung-burner to Saturday's slate with a 2,500-foot opening climb, fixed-time vert loops, and distances from 5K to 50 mile, to a Sunday point-to-point that tops out near 11,500 feet, this is mountain racing with teeth.Aaron shares the playbook behind the overhaul: hard-won permits through Coconino National Forest, alignment with resort management to unlock summer terrain, and a design that prioritizes big climbs, real technicality, and community. We dive into the 50-mile circumnavigation of the San Francisco Peaks caldera, why short doesn't mean easy, and how gnarly ski-run grades change pacing, fueling, and gear choices. If you're planning a late-summer or early fall schedule, we lay out who should target which race, how to prep for altitude swings and unpredictable weather, and why descending on tired legs might be the weekend's real decider.We also explore the competitive layer: potential prize purses, what scalable anti-doping could look like, and early conversations that align the event with skyrunning-style courses and live coverage. Flagstaff's running culture, from Buffalo Park sessions to big-vert weekends, frames the story, while the Snowbowl venue adds food, beer, and an easy basecamp to keep the community together between efforts. Whether you chase the uphill, stack a vert challenge, or go all-in on the point-to-point, Sky Peaks now offers a sharper test for elites and everyday mountain runners alike.If you enjoy the show, tap follow, share it with your crew, and leave a quick review so more runners can find us. Ready to pick your race and build your plan? Subscribe and tell us which climb you're tackling first.Register for Flagstaff Skypeaks - @flagstaffskypeaksFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textThe voice you hear at the steepest start lines has a story—and a system. We sit down with Goldy, the announcer behind the Cirque Series and the force behind the Beehive Bandwagon, to unpack how a kid who DJed camp dances became the guy who turns finish lines into goosebumps. From a fateful Red Bull gig to years across X Games, Dew Tour, and trail races, he shares how preparation, empathy, and restraint shape the sound of an unforgettable race day.We explore the craft that most people never see: studying start lists and past results so callouts are accurate and earned; reading the course so updates actually help families track their runners; pacing energy to protect the voice while still lighting up the key moments. Goldie explains why he treats the winner and the final finisher with equal weight, and why the “last 100 yards” is where brands are built, communities grow, and athletes decide to come back next season. He also gets candid about budgets, live-tracking tradeoffs, and how clear timelines plus a good radio beat fancy tech for keeping crowds engaged.Short-course mountain racing sits at the heart of this conversation. We talk about the visibility, the shared stoke, and the way these events invite elites and first-timers into the same narrative arc. You'll hear how the Cirque Series balances game-day decisions with tight production, why guest experience matters as much as athlete flow, and how a great MC can connect all the dots without getting in the way of the moment. If you care about trail running, event production, or the secret ingredients that make a finish line unforgettable, this one delivers.If this resonated, follow Goldie at beehiveproductions.com and on Instagram at The Beehive Bandwagon. Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—your support helps more runners find us.Follow the BeeHive BandWagon on IG - @thebeehivebandwagonReach out to Goldy for Booking's & Questions - @thebeehivebandwagon.comFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textWant to know how an elite mountain runner designs the very supplements he trusts on race day? We sit down with Momentous VP of Innovation, Matt Chorney, to connect the dots between steep trail performance, clean ingredient sourcing, and the certifications that actually protect athletes. Matt's story stretches from New Hampshire's rugged roots to Jackson's endless access, and he brings that same blend of grit and curiosity to building products that stand up in pro and collegiate locker rooms.We dig into the difference between “third-party tested” and true third-party certification, and why NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport should be non-negotiable if you care about your career—or simply your health. Matt outlines the Momentous three—protein, creatine, and omegas—as everyday pillars backed by research, then walks us through a smarter path to better sleep using apigenin, magnesium L-threonate, and L-theanine. No knockout melatonin bombs here, just targeted support for falling asleep, staying asleep, and getting deeper recovery.Then we switch gears to racing and real-world tools. Sodium bicarbonate is hot, but the GI tradeoffs are real; Matt explains how a topical option like PR lotion can buffer acidosis without wrecking your gut. We also get into training philosophy and longevity: choosing joy over pressure, skipping a marathon when the spark isn't there, and using mountain days to build sustainable fitness. With Broken Arrow on the horizon and classic adventure routes on deck, Matt shows how science can fuel the soul of the sport.Trail running is having a moment—bigger prize purses, crossover stars, and growing visibility—so protecting the culture while raising performance matters more than ever. If you care about clean fueling, smarter sleep, and steep trail stoke, this conversation delivers. If you enjoyed the show, follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review—your support helps us keep bringing you thoughtful stories from the mountains.Follow Matt on IG - @matt_chornUse code SteepPod for 15% off your next Momentous Order - code valid through March Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textA high-stakes relay, a new Olympic sport, and two athletes who refused to blink. We sit down with Cam Smith to unpack how he and Anna Gibson qualified Team USA for the ski mountaineering mixed relay—beating Canada when it mattered most—and how an underdog mindset became their superpower. Cam's story delivers a rare inside look at Olympic prep when your sport is making its debut: recruitment gambles, selection races, and the art of saying no to media so you can say yes to training.Cam explains how he recruited Anna, why her track speed and mountain grit were a perfect fit, and how selection races turned a bold idea into a winning relay. He breaks down the Solitude World Cup from the inside: crisp transitions, a key pass from fourth to first, and the calm second lap that sealed it. We dive deep into training specificity—ankle weights matched to ski system weight, start cadence rehearsal, treadmill intervals with race film study—and how peaking for a three-to-four-minute burst mirrors track more than trail. Expect practical takeaways on race craft, pacing under pressure, and building systems that protect performance when the spotlight gets hot.We also demystify Olympic logistics and gear rules: national kits with strict logo sizes, manufacturer-only markings on helmets and poles, and equipment checks that may lock your gear pre-race. Cam offers a candid view on seeding, the wide first climb, and why a second-row start isn't a problem. He shares the mantra anchoring his approach—“Expect nothing, handle anything”—and looks ahead to the likely addition of the individual event in 2030, where his engine can really sing.If you're curious about ski mountaineering, or you love stories of process beating pressure, this one's for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who thrives in big moments, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Then tell us: what's your favorite underdog win?Follow Cam on IG - @camfromcbFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textWhat does it take to race on the edge, fix your flaws, and build a season that holds up under pressure? We dive deep with Mason Copi, fresh off a blistering run at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and a domestic campaign that turned him from underrated to undeniable. Mason opens up about starting fast when the course rewards it, working the early road section, and the moment when cramps hit yet belief held. You'll hear how teammates on the course and a fired-up Team USA on the sidelines fueled each surge and why chasing the podium sometimes means accepting the crash.Then we get practical. Mason breaks down how he transformed downhill running from a fear response into an advantage using exposure reps on technical segments and a simple “monster truck” form cue. He shares the training blueprint that keeps him healthy while racing often: threshold work for speed and lactate clearance, high aerobic volume buffered by the bike, and minimalist strength focused on hips, glutes, calves, and soleus. No fluff, no gimmicks—just the boring, repeatable work that lets you push hard again next week. We also explore how rising U.S. depth—think Taylor, Cam, Christian—lifts everyone, turning rivalry into fuel.Looking ahead, Mason maps an ambitious 2026: sharpening for the USATF Half in Atlanta, testing range at the Boston Marathon, mixing mountain classics like Big Alta and Gorge, and stepping into the unknown at Speedgoat 50K to build muscular endurance and dial nutrition. He'll chase a WMRA team spot at Sunapee and aim for an Olympic Trials qualifier at CIM, answering the bigger question of how fast a sub-ultra mountain runner needs to be now. We close with a candid look at free agency—why sponsorship timing is tricky, what autonomy enables, and how to keep betting on yourself when the budget says camp and the goals say compete.If this conversation moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves mountain running, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find these stories. Your support helps us bring you deeper conversations with the athletes shaping the sport.Follow Mason on IG - @mcoppi44Interested in Working with Mason as a Coach ? @hellotorunningFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textA world champion who won't let algorithms define her worth—Grayson Murphy joins us for a candid, sharp, and hopeful conversation about racing, health, and the future of trail running. From life in Bozeman to the first time grizzlies changed a solo run, we open with place and presence, then dive straight into how she built Wild Strides Paper Co, why multiple identities make better athletes, and how part-time sustainability work keeps her grounded in real-world impact.Grayson breaks down her pivot from mountain classic mastery to the short trail learning curve: higher volume, more zone 2, poles, and a smarter fueling plan. She walks us through the Crohn's diagnosis that finally explained 18 months of confusion, and how treatment helped her trust her body again. There's craft here too. She details the simple-yet-brutal mountain classic formula—empty the tank to the top, descend like a technician—and why short trail requires an entirely new toolkit. Along the way, we unpack selection for Worlds, the value of a coach on-site, and the friendships that keep her inspired.We also tackle the business of being an athlete. Grayson draws a clear line between athlete and influencer, shares how brands dropped her for “low engagement” after winning Worlds, and explains why she now avoids deals that hinge on reach. The conversation expands to prize purses, athlete support, and the Olympic question—what trail format would resonate, and what professionalization must include: appearance fees, better visibility, and real anti-doping. It's a blueprint for a healthier sport and a braver career.If this resonates, follow Grayson on Instagram, check out Wild Strides Paper Co, and share this episode with a friend who loves trail running. Leave a rating and review, hit subscribe wherever you listen, and tell us: should trail be in the Olympics?Follow Grayson on IG - @racin_graysonFollow Wild Strides Paper Co on IG - @wildstridespapercoCheck out Wild Strides Paper Co Website - Wild Strides Paper CoFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textA young ultra runner with a mountain kid heart and a pro's mindset—Coleman Cragun brings the heat. We dig into how he went from SUU walk-on to stacking top finishes at Canyons, Broken Arrow, Speedgoat, and Mammoth in his first year of ultras, and how mentorship from trail legend Hayden Hawks is shaping every decision. The honesty of their training partnership, from blunt fitness assessments to choosing the hardest race fields, has helped Coleman skip the usual trial-and-error and focus on the skills that actually win races.Black Canyon 100K is the target, and Coleman breaks down the pillars of his prep: specificity on fast desert singletrack, back-to-back long runs, sweat testing to dial sodium and fluids, and the art of not leading when the opening miles go hot. He shares how he'll choose between carbon and non-carbon shoes, why pacing by effort and heart rate matters when Bumble Bee changes the race, and how he structures 5,000-calorie days to stay durable in heavy blocks. The goal is simple and bold: keep the leaders in sight, stay patient, and make a real run at a golden ticket to Western States.We also look ahead to a season that may pivot on one result. If he punches a ticket, Western States becomes the centerpiece—with OCC as the UTMB-week balance. If not, CCC offers a bigger Alpine canvas. Coleman's excited by Sierre-Zinal for speed, by Cedar City's high-low training ecosystem, and by the sport's growing professionalism that could one day let him run full time. He's coaching, refining, and choosing the hard line: race the best, learn fast, and build a name the right way.If you're into trail running, heat management, fueling strategy, Western States lore, or the mentor-mentee dynamic shaping the next generation, you'll love this one. Subscribe, share it with a friend who lives for golden ticket drama, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show.Follow Coleman on IG - @coleman_cragunFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textMoney is moving up the mountain, and the Northeast is ready for it. We sit down with Tom Hooper of 603 Endurance to unpack how a new partnership with Marathon Sports unlocks bigger prize purses, stronger production, and a smarter sponsor model that gives each race its own brand identity. Sunapee Scramble returns as the U.S. Mountain Running Championship with a $30,000 purse from Brooks and Team USA selection on the line. Loon Mountain leans into its legendary Upper Walking Boss with $20,000 backed by Darn Tough and likely more on the way. Ragged brings a three-day stage race and a $30,000 purse from Altra, while Cranmore gets fresh momentum tied to a new trail-forward retail hub in North Conway.We go inside the business: why retail distribution changes the ROI for brands, how prize money can reshape athlete contracts, and whether this surge signals a sustainable path or a temporary splash. We talk logistics and legacy—permitting realities in New England, course character across Sunapee, Loon, Cranmore, Kismet, and Ragged—and the growing pipeline from NCAA track and cross-country to the mountains. If you care about the sport's future, you'll want the full take on appearance fees, what elites owe in promotion, and the rising urgency of credible anti-doping as purses climb.This is a candid, ground-level look at how trail running grows up without losing its edge: steep grades, slick roots, and real money on the line. Hit play, share it with a friend who loves mountain running, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show. Your feedback keeps these conversations going and helps the sport take its next step.Follow Tom Hooper - @tomhooper603Follow Six03 Endurance - @six03enduranceRegister for the Sunapee Scramble - SUNAPEERegister for the Loon Mountain Race - LOONRegister for the Ragged 75 Stage Race & 50K - RAGGEDFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textTrail running deserves sharper storytelling than recycled podium posts. We open the books on Steep Stuff: what we botched in 2025, what finally clicked, and how we're going big on short trail in 2026. James and guest host Francesco get specific about the pivot from clunky Zoom reels to clean Riverside workflows, a fresh brand identity, and a quality-first mindset that actually scales. The result is a clear plan: show up at Broken Arrow, The Rut, Cirque Series stops, and championships with interviews, previews, and expert analysis that make racing feel immediate and worth following.We talk about the gaps in trail running media and how to close them—more curiosity, fewer safe takes, and real coverage of prize money, anti-doping, and the business forces shaping athletes' careers. The goal isn't just reporting results. It's star building. If more fans know why Christian Allen, Ana Gibson, or Lauren Gregory matter, the sport grows and athletes land better contracts. That means tighter formats, smarter co-hosts who've raced at the top, and video storytelling that highlights training, tactics, and personalities long before a breakout podium.You'll also hear what's next for the platform: a new show under the Steep Stuff umbrella, on-site commentary and interviews, and a revamped approach to awards that gives short trail its own spotlight. We get personal about balancing training with production, why breathwork and calmer stimulus make workouts cleaner, and how structure beats hustle when you're building something real. The promise we keep coming back to: this is the worst the product will be. From here, coverage, quality, and community presence only rise.If you care about where short trail is heading—and how media can help it get there—press play, share it with a friend who loves mountain running, and leave a quick rating or review so we can keep building this together.Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textA late start, a canceled senior season, and a move to Bozeman turned Lucy Kolpa from a soccer defender into one of trail running's most compelling rising names. We dive into how she traded splits for summits, built a durable engine without a coach, and learned to treat races as a celebration of big mountain days rather than a verdict on her identity.Lucy opens up about the moments that shaped her: walking on to DIII cross country with no high school PRs, discovering how sleep, hydration, and structure turbocharge confidence, and finding freedom in objective‑based long runs. She explains why winters aren't an off‑season—downhill days, backcountry tours, and finally cracking skate skiing add massive aerobic volume with minimal impact, sharpening technique and resilience for steep, technical courses.We break down her 2025 near‑podiums at Broken Arrow and The Rut, the surprise of holding her own at Sierre‑Zinal, and a 2026 plan centered on the Broken Arrow 23K, Beast of Big Creek in the Skyrunner World Series, and a return to The Rut 50K. Lucy shares her simple weekly framework: two quality sessions, one big mountain long run, and lots of truly easy miles, plus yoga and light strength to keep IT bands happy. We also get real about ambition and authenticity—how to chase sponsorship and bigger stages without losing the underdog mindset that makes training fun and sustainable.If you love mountain running, Bozeman culture, or stories of steady, joyful progress, Lucy's journey will light a fire. Listen, share with a friend who needs a nudge to get outside, and leave a quick review to help more trail fans find the show.Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textThe spark wasn't love at first stride. Tayler Tuttle Peavey once hated running, chose softball, and struggled through PE miles—then found a coach who spoke the language of physiology and a path that led from Georgia to Colorado and, ultimately, to USATF national titles on the trails. We sit down to unpack how a hip labrum surgery, a health-first rebuild, and a sustainable coaching approach turned doubt into momentum and a breakout 2025.Tayler takes us inside the pivotal transfer from Georgia to CU Boulder, the up-and-down college years, and the moment she realized roads weren't the only way forward. She traces her first steps into trail racing—second at the Moab Trail Half after two years without a start—then the return to win Moab, a Twisted Fork statement, and a USATF 50K crown on runnable terrain that matched her strengths. We dig into Broken Arrow's shortened VK, the chaos of mass starts, and the strategic lessons she can't wait to apply when she lines up for the 23K.Training with David and Megan Roche, Taylor's blueprint centers on durability: weekly rest days, individualized intensity, and a mix of track, road, and trail sessions to keep speed sharp while building technical skill. She shares how she uses heart rate as a guide rather than a governor, why cross-training tools like Zwift, the elliptical, and stairs are staples, and how she keeps winter work efficient without unnecessary risk. Looking ahead, she's targeting the two-to-three-hour sweet spot—30K mountain races, Broken Arrow 23K, and a potential Golden Trail schedule—while staying selective with travel and open to the right sponsorship fit as she moves full time into the sport.We also talk bigger picture: how short trail can grow by inviting mass participation at accessible distances, why community and media coverage matter, and how the rising wave of D1 talent is raising the competitive bar. If you care about the future of mountain, trail, and sub-ultra racing—and the mindset it takes to thrive—this conversation delivers both inspiration and a practical playbook.Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review so more listeners can discover the show.Follow Tayler on IG - @taylerwithlimeFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textBest of 2025 - Ryan Becker Fan Favorite Episode Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textBest of 2025 - Emma Cook Clarke Fan Favorite Episode Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

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Send us a textBest of 2025 - Kyle Richardson Fan Favorite Episode Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textBest of 2025 - Bailey Kowalczyk Fan Favorite Episode Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

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Send us a textA world-level skyrace is returning to U.S. soil, and the path runs straight up a rugged Olympic Mountains summit. We sit down with race director and media voice Mathias Eichler to unpack how Beast of Big Creek became the only U.S. stop on the Skyrunner World Series, what ISF course certification really requires, and how you scale a steep, technical route without breaking the wilderness that makes it magic.Mathias shares the full arc: inheriting a beloved local race, modernizing without losing soul, and navigating permits, fires, trail capacity, and access in a part of Washington that's breathtaking and stubbornly off-grid. We get practical about logistics—Olympia as a pre-race hub, ferry approaches from Seattle, limited parking, and why camping might be a feature, not a bug. Along the way, we zoom out to the sport's bigger picture: why short trail and VK-style events thrive in Europe, how UTMB, Golden Trail, and Cirque each shape the calendar, and what it will take to build a real fan culture here—cheer zones, better visuals, and honest, story-driven media.Expect sharp takes on world championship timing, sponsor incentives, and how to film races that live above treeline. If you care about the future of American skyrunning—course design, elite fields, and spectator experience—this conversation is your field guide to what's next and what's possible.Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, share with a trail friend, and leave a review on Apple or Spotify. Your feedback helps more runners discover new mountains to climb.Follow Mathias on IG - @einmaleins / @electric.cable.carFollow The Beast of Big Creek on IG for Updates - @beastofbigcreekListen to Mathias on Electric Cable Car - @electriccablecarCheck out Electric Cable Car Online - @electriccablecarCheck out the Beast of Big Creek online - @beastofbigcreekFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textThe ache that won't sit still, the quad-dominant stride, the back that tightens after miles on trail—none of it is random. We invited Dr. Sean Rimmer, PT, DPT of Run Potential PT, to unpack how the pelvis truly drives running: three-plane motion, rotational loading, and the elastic recoil that makes a stride feel effortless. When the pelvis stops moving, hips overwork, nerves get irritated, and the system loses its spring. Sean explains how to spot the difference between hip, pelvis, and nerve-driven pain, and why a shifting, vague ache is often a neural clue rather than a muscle tear.We go deep on practical solutions you can apply today. Sean demos walking pelvic rotations and reverse steps to restore glide and rotation, and shows how a simple flow rope builds rhythm, timing, and side-to-side weight shift that mirrors efficient running mechanics. He also shares quick self-screens—pelvic side glides and marching with hands on the pelvis—to reveal blocked planes of motion. If you've been told “anterior pelvic tilt” is your problem, you'll learn why hip flexor rotation is the missing piece and how better sequencing beats endless stretching.Strength that actually transfers to performance is the final lever. Sean outlines heavy split-stance isometrics to load the glute–ham complex the way running demands—fast stabilization with tendon recoil—without crushing soreness during hard training blocks. Expect clearer cues, less quad overload, and a snappier, more resilient stride within weeks. Whether you're dealing with nerve flare-ups, stubborn hip tightness, or you just want more power and durability, this conversation gives you a blueprint: restore pelvic motion, retrain rhythm, and load what matters.If this helped, subscribe, share it with a running friend, and leave a quick review on your favorite app. Tell us which drill changed your stride first, and what body area you want us to tackle next.Follow Sean on IG - @runpotentialptContact Sean for PT - @runpotentialptCheck out Run Potential PT online - @runpotentialptFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textThe sport keeps growing, the livestreams keep improving, and the fields get deeper every year—so why do so many iconic ultras still offer zero prize money? We sit down with Eric, the builder behind Run Fund, to unpack a direct, no-drama solution: let the community and sponsors crowdfund purses that pay athletes fairly and transparently. No betting, no gimmicks, just clean rails that move money from fans and brands to finishers.We dig into how Run Fund works behind the scenes—escrowed funds, Stripe payouts in seven to ten days, and simple tax handling—plus the decision to split purses 50-50 for men and women by default. Eric explains why the platform leans on existing adjudication for races and FKTs, how it handles athletes serving sanctions, and what happens when a drug test lands months after the podium photos. We also explore the “nonprofit” defense from legacy races, the quiet dependence on brand bonuses, and what it means for an unsponsored winner to take home nothing while a contract athlete cashes a check for the same result.The conversation stretches from six-figure short trail purses to the potential of FKT bounties on iconic routes like the AT, where attempts demand serious logistics and community support. We talk partnerships with organizers who want the visibility of prize money without building new infrastructure, and why grassroots races can benefit just as much as marquee events—because $500 to a regional winner can pull a whole club onto a start line next year. Eric shares early targets like HURT and Black Canyon, thoughts on future international expansion, and a fan-first vision that boosts engagement without crossing into gambling.If you care about fair pay, athlete pathways, and a healthier event ecosystem, this one's for you. Hit play, then tell us: which race should get a crowdfunded purse next? Subscribe, share with a friend who races, and drop a review to keep the conversation moving.Check out the Run.Fund - Run.FundFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textWhat does it take to choose the mountains when a different calling has your heart? We sit with Arc'teryx athlete Emma Cook-Clarke for a candid, high-altitude conversation about identity, risk, and the rare joy of sustainable excellence. Emma reflects on a season loaded with contrasts—top 10 in the world at the uphill and a historic team bronze for Canada, a Speedgoat podium in a record-fast year, and the sting of missing Olympic SkiMo qualification—then walks us through how she's rebuilding momentum by staying grounded in Canmore and training by feel.Emma's path didn't start on talus. Gymnastics built composure, rugby taught grit and trust, and running unlocked freedom. A local uphill challenge during the pandemic revealed world-class climbing talent and led to her Arc'teryx partnership—support that feels like true professionalism: wellness first, smart planning, and access to specialists. We dig into her decision to step away from structural firefighting, drawing clear lines from the fireground to the backcountry: risk a lot to save a lot, fight complacency, and communicate with purpose. That same mindset shows up on technical ridges, at chaotic VK starts, and when the watch tries to drown out intuition.You'll hear a tactical breakdown of World Champs VK strategy, the team dynamics behind Canada's first-ever medal, and a pacing masterclass from Speedgoat—altitude, heat, and humility yielding a steady engine and a late-race surge. We also celebrate the soul of skyrunning at Meet the Minotaur, where handbuilt trails and scree descents keep adventure alive, and we talk Rockies reality: bear spray, smart route choices, and a rare, unforgettable wolverine sighting that reminds us to look up and simply watch.If you're an athlete navigating big goals, a fan of skyrunning and SkiMo, or someone weighing a hard life pivot, Emma's story offers a clear compass: protect your joy, respect risk, and let the mountains reshape what success looks like. Enjoy the conversation—and if it moves you, subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and drop a review to help others find the show.Follow Emma on IG - @emcookclarkeFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textBreaking news rarely hits mountain running like this. The World Skyrunner Series is officially returning to the United States, and the Beast of Big Creek on Washington's Olympic Peninsula is the stage. We dive straight into what makes this 23K course so compelling: sustained grades exceeding 20 percent, a clean up-and-down profile that rewards efficient climbers and fearless descenders, and a summit near 6,000 feet that avoids altitude headaches without losing the punch. With 1.5x points on offer, we make the case for why European stars could cross the Atlantic and why sub-two hours might be in play.We unpack the “why here” question through logistics and strategy. Seattle's international access makes travel simple, while the terrain delivers classic skyrunning character without sprawling altitude or complex permitting. Then we zoom out: how ISF certification interacts with the World Series, the signals from Whiteface and Broken Arrow, and whether a U.S. skyrunning series is waiting in the wings. We compare philosophies too, contrasting Golden Trail's media-friendly flower loops with skyrunning's traditional aesthetic lines and discussing why a tighter global calendar could sharpen competition and improve storytelling.This is also a conversation about athlete pathways. If more U.S. events gain certification, short-trail standouts, collegiate converts, and VK specialists can build toward European icons like Matterhorn and Trofeo Kima without crossing oceans for every test. We talk rumors, real implications for the Northeast and Pacific Northwest scenes, and how brands and athletes might respond if skyrunning gains momentum here. Hit play to catch our hot takes, practical race analysis, and the questions that will define the next phase of American mountain running. If you enjoy the show, follow, share with a trail friend, and leave a quick review—what race should be the next U.S. skyrunning stop?Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textWhat happens when a top ultrarunner steps behind the curtain and starts managing athletes, budgets, and contracts—while still chasing Western States dreams? We sat down with Coree Woltring for an unfiltered deep dive into the modern trail ecosystem: how sponsorships really get done, why timing matters, what brands value beyond results, and how the sport can better support its athletes.Coree traces his arc from triathlon hopeful to crewing Leadville, to a breakout North Face contract sparked by a well-timed magazine article. Then the script flips. He explains life on both sides of the table at Merrell—shaping a roster that spans Skyrunner World Series, Western States, and UTMB—while guiding athletes through contract season, social expectations, and the art of the ask. If you're wondering how to pitch a brand, whether to hire an agent, or how to stand out without selling out, Coree's playbook is refreshingly clear: start early, know your value, and communicate like a pro.We also tackle the money question head-on. From Broken Arrow's big prize purse to the financial squeeze on golden ticket chasers, Corey lays out why meaningful prize money and smarter collaboration between races and brands would elevate competition and sustainability. And when injury forced a midyear reset, photography and storytelling filled the gap—leading to paid work with Cirque Series and a new creative lane that complements, rather than replaces, racing.There's plenty of forward look, too: Western States is back on Coree's calendar, with Moab 240 and Cape Town in the mix, plus a sharp take on trail running's Olympic prospects through sub-ultra formats. It's a conversation for athletes, fans, and industry folks who care about performance, credibility, and the future of the sport. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review—then tell us what you'd fix first: contracts, prize money, or social expectations?Follow Coree on IG - @coreewolteringFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textWhat happens when a Texas kid with marathon roots drops 60 pounds, moves across continents to mentor young athletes in Kenya, and then turns that purpose into a season-long charge through the Cirque Series? We unpack the full story with McKennon Woltman—complete with chai-fueled mornings, singletrack at altitude, and the lessons that only service and steep terrain can teach.We start with a family tradition of marathoning and the health scare that pushed him to act. That path led to Germany, then into the heart of Kenya's running culture, where daily life is simple, meals are consistent, and training is built on red roads and forest trails around Iten and Kaptegat. McKennan opens up about the ethics of sport—doping access, predatory management, and the realities of poverty—then explains how holistic mentorship (mind, body, spirit) helps athletes chase big dreams without losing themselves. The result is a rare, grounded view of what high performance looks like when anchored in integrity.Then we head stateside, where he maps that foundation onto the Cirque Series: short, steep, technical races that demand weekly readiness and tactical restraint. He breaks down how he learned to race smart—saving legs for the downhill, choosing the right shoes for mixed terrain, and making decisive moves at Targhee's off-trail descents. We also talk culture: why short mountain races are a perfect development path, and how American trail running can build a louder fan experience with lift-access cheering zones, cowbells on ridgelines, and community stoke that rivals Europe.Looking ahead, McKennan shares plans to focus on sub-ultra events in the UTMB ecosystem, race Broken Arrow, and sharpen road speed with a spring marathon as a step toward the 2028 U.S. Olympic Trials standard. If you care about mountain running, athlete development, or simply want to feel the energy of someone who races hard and gives more back, this one hits home.Enjoyed this conversation? Follow the show, share with a trail friend, and leave a rating and review. And if you're watching on YouTube, smash subscribe so more runners can find it.Follow McKennon on IG - @mckennonwoltmanFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textWhat happens when a mountain athlete chooses meaning over metrics? We sit down with ski mountaineer and mountain runner Michael Wirth for a rare, candid conversation about privacy, purpose, and why FKTs feel more honest than podiums. Michael traces his path from the Roaring Fork Valley to a brief stint in consulting, then into a life shaped by long tours, sketchy weather windows, and the strange pressure of being recognized for what you do in quiet places.We dive into the gritty details of his November push on the Tonto Traverse—training alongside David, the tendon flare-up that arrived five days out, the decision to keep moving until it didn't make sense, and the bittersweet satisfaction of seeing a partner set the record. Michael explains why FKTs pull him more than racing: logistics and judgment matter, terrain asks real questions, and the reward lives in moving across a landscape with speed and care. He also opens up about social media's tradeoffs—how YouTube can tell richer stories than Instagram, why follower counts too often shape contracts, and how protecting your relationship with the mountains sometimes means posting less.From scouting the North Cascades High Route and a scary black bear encounter to training blocks built on threshold, VO2 efforts, and the occasional treadmill sufferfest, Michael's outlook is equal parts frank and thoughtful. He's eyeing future ski objectives, possibly a renewed push on the High Route with friends, and a career path that might include climate tech or even farming—all while keeping the flame for big, meaningful days outside. If you care about the soul of mountain sport, the pull of place, and the balance between craft and commerce, this one hits home.If the conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. It helps more curious listeners find these stories and keeps the stoke going.Follow Michael on IG - @michaelcwirthFollow Michael on Youtube - @michaelcwirthFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textThe view from a razorback ridge can change your life—and your training. We invited Robin Vieira Brower, one of the few American women racing the Skyrunner World Series, to unpack how she built a season across Austria and Ireland, what “sea to sky” truly demands, and why skyrunning needs a bigger footprint in the U.S. Robin shares a refreshingly candid path from college soccer to technical mountain running, the exact workouts that paid off on steep grades, and the mindset shift required when weather cancels races the day before the start.We dig into the nuts and bolts—heart rate based training, base-building through winter, and the intervals that translate directly to efficient climbing and controlled descending. Robin also opens up about running a creative studio while racing internationally, turning storytelling into a strength instead of a distraction. We compare skyrunning with Golden Trail and UTMB, talk through ISF standards that protect the sport's identity, and spotlight the best U.S. gateways for “real sky” skills: Cirque Series venues, The Rut, Alyeska, and the Wasatch. Expect practical insights on gear, travel, and course selection, plus honest talk about representation and how to support more women on technical terrain.If you've wondered how to break into skyrunning—or just want to understand why switchbacks are sometimes optional in Europe—this conversation delivers a clear map and plenty of motivation. Tap play, then tell us which course you'd race first. If you're enjoying the show, follow Robin at @mindfullyrobin, subscribe, and leave a quick review to help more mountain athletes find us.Follow Robin on IG - @mindfullyrobinContact Robin on her website - mindfullyrobin.comFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textA Tahoe childhood can shape an athlete for life—and Noah McMahan proves it. At 19, he's a Gonzaga steeplechaser who keeps his easy runs on dirt, wins Broken Arrow 11K off a Hayward Field PR, and carries hard-earned lessons from the World Mountain Running Championships in Spain. We talk about the quiet confidence it takes to recover from injuries, the patience to build fitness through a long collegiate season, and the racecraft to navigate tight European singletrack when the start line explodes.We dig into what it means to balance D1 expectations with trail ambitions: coach buy-in, smart training blocks, and the reality of fitting a “fourth season” into a college calendar. Noah opens up about recruitment from a small Nevada school, why team culture sold him on Gonzaga, and how a kinesiology major helps him stay healthy. He breaks down the Worlds course—road surge, singletrack congestion, switchback duels—and the two changes he'd make next time: more hill-specific work and earlier positioning to avoid bottlenecks.Gear talk includes Nike Ultrafly on race day, a rotation that's open to Saucony for daily miles, and curiosity about adding poles for steeper 23K goals. We share inspiration from Max King, Kilian Jornet, Jim Walmsley, Ruth Croft, and the next wave of hybrid athletes bridging track, road, and mountain disciplines. If you're a young runner considering a future in trail running—or a fan who loves the sport's evolving pathways—you'll hear a clear blueprint for turning college structure into a sustainable pro trajectory.If this story resonates, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review on your favorite app. Your support helps us bring more emerging voices and big trail dreams to the mic.Follow Noah on IG - @noah_mcmahan_Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textWhat happens when a Nordic engine meets Wasatch steeps and a taste for big objectives? We sit down with pro skier and trail runner Mali Noyes to trace the throughline from Sun Valley ski kid to freeride competitor to ultra podium threat, and the conversation is packed with sharp takeaways you can use right away.Mali unpacks the modern mountain athlete's toolkit: how backcountry ski touring builds unmatched muscular endurance, why Speedgoat rewards poles and patience at altitude, and how pacing transforms “survival” into a strong finish. We go inside freeride fundamentals—venue scouting, judging criteria, and the fast-and-fluid style that actually scores—then zoom out to the career reality where athletes must be storytellers, producers, and community builders. Mali shares how she approaches YouTube with authenticity over polish, using simple tools to bring people into the raw, decision-heavy world of snow, lines, and risk.We dig into UTMB ambitions, comparing CCC's runnable rhythm with the power-hike nature of Speedgoat, and why the Wasatch is a near-perfect training ground for European profiles. Mali is candid about nerve pain and the grind of messy injuries, emphasizing critical PT, hip and core rebuilding, and data that supports intuition—heart rate, lactate, HRV, and truly easy recovery days. The capstone is The Shooting Gallery: skiing all 93 steep Wasatch lines in 47 days. It's a masterclass in logistics, avalanche judgment, partner management, and mental endurance, stacking over 300,000 feet of vert while staying sharp enough to make clean choices day after day.If you care about mountain performance, women's representation in snowsports, or the craft of turning adventures into stories that matter, this one will stick with you. Subscribe, share this episode with a training partner, and leave a quick review to help more mountain athletes find the show.Follow Mali on IG - @malinoyesFollow Mali's Adventures on Youtube ! - @MaliNoyesFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textThe road from an Okinawan family dojo to the rocky spine of the Northeast isn't as long as it looks. Meet trail runner and former Muay Thai athlete Niko Teller, a blue-collar UPS driver who turns daily mileage, discipline, and gritty terrain into real speed. We dig into how martial arts forged his mindset, why hips are the hidden engine for climbing and descending, and how he built technical downhill confidence on the Appalachian Trail, in the Catskills, and across the White Mountains.We break down the Northeast short-trail scene—from Chocorua to the Baldface Scramble—and why these 20 to 30K courses deliver as much vert and skill demand as some ultras. Nico explains how he trains when the “mountains” are 400 feet high, stacking hill repeats, AT long runs, and gravel bike cross-training to stay durable. Then we go deep on his JFK 50 game plan: smooth execution on the AT, a mid-race shoe swap into road foam, and a 6:30–6:40 towpath pace target backed by a simple fueling strategy of 90 grams of carbs per hour with Neversecond gels and mostly water in cool temps.We also unpack the hard lessons from Run Rabbit Run 100 in Steamboat—cold, hail, and a cranky Achilles—and how finishing on a tough day built more confidence than any PR. Niko shares why jiu-jitsu keeps him humble, how coaching with Fastquatch helps working athletes find balance, and what's next: Black Canyon 100K speed, a Cocodona waitlist gamble, and winter goals on the track with a sharper mile and 5K.If you love Northeast trail running, JFK 50 strategy, technical downhill tips, or blue-collar training that actually fits a busy life, this conversation will feel like a map you can use tomorrow. Subscribe, drop a review, and share with a friend who's eyeing a fast towpath split or their first White Mountain scramble.Follow Niko on IG - @nikolassuaveFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textA road racer with big engine and bigger grit, Makena Morley decided to test the mountains—and then turned a curious experiment into a statement season. We go all the way back to Maui and Montana, through a high-pressure collegiate career at Colorado, and into the realities of turning pro during Covid. Then the pivot: why ASICS' support opened the door to trails, how Bozeman and Montana State became her training backbone, and what it took to blend threshold speed with the chaos of technical terrain.Makena breaks down the moment Kodiak nearly unraveled—a missed turn, minutes lost, and a mental reset from chasing time to hunting the win. She explains how trail pacing lives in effort, not pace; how VKs mimic the misery of a 5K at altitude; and why nutrition and hydration need to be tighter once you're racing beyond marathon duration. We talk SIS gels, Skratch Superfuel, cramp control, and keeping heart rate near low threshold to ride the up-down rhythm without detonating. She also shares self-coaching insights: writing four-month blocks, moving workouts when the body says no, and using heart rate as a guardrail rather than a governor.Looking forward, we map a smart, exciting calendar: half marathons to sharpen, runnable 50Ks like Canyons to leverage road speed, and a technical progression toward OCC in Chamonix. Golden Trail and Cirque Series sit on the radar as skill-building playgrounds, tempered by timing and travel. The theme running through it all is joy—how switching surfaces revived hunger, built durability, and made big goals feel possible again.If this story fires you up, hit follow, share the episode with a friend who needs a nudge to try something new, and leave a quick review so more athletes can find the show.Follow Makena on IG - @makena_morleyCheck out Ultimate Direction !Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off ultimatedirection.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textThe plan was simple: go test the 100K waters. The reality was a masterclass in pacing, hydration, and what happens when marathon instincts meet an eight-hour mountain day. Chad Hall brings candor and clarity to his Kodiak debrief—why he went out hard, where the wheels came loose around Snow Summit, and how he'll rebuild for another shot. From there, we widen the lens: short trail versus ultras, why 50K deserves more respect in the U.S., and how cycling's strength engine can transform uphill running without sacrificing leg speed on descents.We trade notes on altitude strategy for Pikes Peak, the balance between sea-level power and high-elevation adaptation, and practical ways to integrate strength—heavy lifts, bike blocks, or ski mountaineering—when schemo isn't an option. Chad traces his arc from triathlon to domestic elite cycling to trails, and explains how coaching, long mountain days, and flat-speed workouts all fit inside a program designed to resist fatigue and stay smooth on technical terrain.Then we go deeper. We push on the professionalization of trail running, UTMB-style event culture, and the line between authentic partnership and hollow consumerism. Chad is honest about sponsorship: only promote what you'd buy, center the mountains, and protect the community's soul. We also challenge the hype cycles of social media and the attention economy, where presentation can outrun performance and algorithms shrink our view of the world. Finally, we wrestle with AI and work—what jobs mean, where meaning comes from, and how a conscious buyer base can reshape the outdoor industry for the better.If you enjoy conversations that braid training insights with bigger questions about culture and purpose, this one will stick. Follow Chad on Instagram at @chadoflife, hit play, and then tell us: are you team short trail, team ultra, or somewhere in between? Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help more curious runners find the show.Follow Chad on IG - @chadoflifeFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textA broken back, a fractured knee, and nearly a year off running—then podiums at Pikes Peak Ascent, Kodiak, and Moab. That's the arc Alicia Vargo takes us through, sharing how a brutal dog attack in 2024 unraveled her season and how skate skiing, patience, and stubborn belief stitched it back together. We start with her fresh Moab Trail Half podium and the course's split personality—slickrock step-ups, sandy slogs, and off-road pavement—before moving into the training mindset that keeps her sharp late in the year.From there, we head home to Breckenridge. Alicia talks altitude as the quiet performance lever, the surprising strength of the local community, and why winter skimo and skate skiing are the perfect mix to preserve fitness without the pounding. Then we go deep on her recovery: delayed diagnoses, crutches, months of uncertainty, and the tentative first races at Broken Arrow that proved her body could hold. She opens up about Sierre-Zinal's balcony trail, heat shock, and the crowded chaos of European starts where elbows fly and gels get trampled.We zoom out to the sport's big questions. Should women have separate starts or days? Alicia weighs the trade-offs—clear competition and spotlight versus thin fields and lost atmosphere. She revisits the early Nike Trail years, shifting to Hoka, and why the sport once nudged athletes toward ultras due to a lack of short trail opportunities. Now, with Golden Trail, Broken Arrow, and the Rut, short trail finally looks like the welcoming on-ramp for D1 talent and the most TV-ready version of mountain running.We also talk storytelling. What Coca-Dona got right with long-form livestreams. Why commentators who race—like Dani Moreno—can translate chaos into context. And why Alicia's skeptical about the Olympics reshaping trail into a TV-friendly shadow of itself, much like skimo's shift. Through it all, her message is grounded and energizing: protect the mountain identity, invest in women's race formats, tell better stories, and give athletes the room to come back strong.If this conversation hits, follow and share. Subscribe on YouTube for 4K episodes, drop a rating on Apple or Spotify, and tell a friend who loves steep stuff and strong comebacks.Follow Alicia on IG - @aliciavargoFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textThe sport we love is growing up, and that's a good thing—if we build it right. I'm joined by athlete and agent Nick Cornell of Trailhead Athlete Management to dig into what “professional” actually looks like in trail running: livable contracts, smarter bonuses, real anti-doping, and a path that lets athletes focus on performance without losing the grassroots soul that makes this community special.Nick shares how he went from thru-hiking the Triple Crown to winning Montana 50Ks and managing athletes who train 20 hours a week while juggling logistics, content, deliverables, and travel. We unpack what brands want beyond results—genuine people with presence—and why short trail deserves more investment alongside ultras. We also talk hard numbers: why most pros still sit in the low five figures, how a league minimum could change that, and where healthcare and PT stipends fit in. If you've wondered whether rumors of huge salaries are real, or how to negotiate your first deal, Nick gives grounded, practical insight.We go deep on legitimacy and the World Mountain and Trail Championships—federations offering team camps and big bonuses, the realities of kit rules, and why national team results should be bonused just like track. From out-of-competition testing to non-endemic sponsors—cars, banks, tourism boards, food brands—we explore the funding models that could unlock full-time careers without sidelining local races. The takeaway is hopeful: keep the watermelon at aid stations and the big stages on the calendar. With smarter structure, everyone wins.If this conversation helped you think differently about the future of trail running, tap follow, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. Your support helps us bring more candid, useful conversations to the community.Follow Nick on IG - @nickcornell.runFollow Trailhead Athlete Mgmt on IG - @trailheadathletemgmtReach out to Trailhead Athlete Mgmt for Representation - Get in TouchFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textA brand doesn't become real the day the website goes live—it becomes real the day someone beats it up on a mountain and still reaches for it the next morning. That's the heart of our conversation with Dust founder Zach Colby, who walked away from politics to build a running brand rooted in the Mountain West: trails, dirt, big days, and gear that doesn't need babysitting.We trace the idea back to Boulder, where Zach saw a clear gap. The urban-run-club look had its champions, but the West's mix of gravel, alpine, and singletrack culture felt underserved. Dust answers with simple, durable pieces that carry a Western soul—led by the mechanic shirt, a breathable button-down designed to race, ride, and recover. Zach breaks down the less glamorous side too: hunting for the right factory, negotiating MOQs, iterating fabric weights across time zones, and learning that a great sample is earned, not ordered.From there, we get into launch mechanics and marketing without the fluff. Boxes stacked in an apartment, a Shopify backend, word-of-mouth over ads, and photography that actually reflects how people move outside. We talk about the Dust Bus—a retired sheriff's van now turned rolling pop-up—and why in-person events, beer miles, and race weekends matter more than impressions. Zach also shares what's next: a women's line with a dedicated designer, tech-forward shorts and tights, and an interest in a lightweight, no-nonsense running belt that disappears on the run.If you care about trail running, niche outdoor brands, or the craft behind gear that holds up mile after mile, this one will hit. Tap play, then tell us what piece you wish more brands would build. And if you're vibing with the show, subscribe, share with a trail friend, and leave a quick review—it helps more runners find us.Follow Dust on IG -  @weardustShop the Dust Website - @weardustCheck out the Mechanic Shirt - Mechanic ShirtFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textA sharpening workout at 10,000 feet. A sudden stab in the chest. Vision slipping. Hours later, Abby Locke learned her right lung had collapsed—and that was only the beginning. Across one summer she weathered three collapses, seven chest tubes, helicopter flights, and two surgeries, then found her way back to 50-mile weeks with a new definition of strength.We talk through the full arc with honesty and grit: the ER chaos, hospital routines, and why “take it easy” is dangerous advice for driven athletes. Abby details the shift from vague rest to a precise, metrics-based return—heart rate caps, minutes-based progressions, and a deliberate habit of undershooting. We dig into the identity quake that comes when sport is stripped away, and how watercolor, friendship, and a gentler mindset helped her rebuild. She shares practical wisdom on training by feel, listening for pain signals, and balancing risk without living in fear.We also explore what's next: genetic testing, altitude questions, and a smart path toward longer trail races where intensity spikes are fewer. Abby opens up about coaching, sub-ultra roots, and why the northeast's technical trails deserve more love. The takeaway is bigger than running: gratitude changes performance, diversified meaning sustains motivation, and a broader life makes you braver on race day.If this story resonates, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs perspective, and leave a quick review so more runners can find conversations like this.Follow Abby on IG - @abigaildlockFollow Abby on Substack - @adlockReach out to Abby for coaching & Nutrition Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!