The Steep Stuff Podcast

James Lauriello
  • 4.8 (52)
  • MZGenre.Podcasts.Running
  • MZPodcastFrequency.Episodic.Weekly

Professional trail runner James Lauriello sits down with some of the most interesting athletes, coaches, adventurers, and personalities in the mountain running world to take an inside look at what drives them and what it really takes to chase greatness in the mountains. With no script and no two conversations quite the same, The Steep Stuff Podcast dives deep into the people, stories, and ideas shaping trail, mountain, and skyrunning. From training and racing to adventure, gear, lifestyle, the highs and lows of competition, and everything in between, James brings an athlete’s perspective and genuine curiosity to every conversation. Whether it’s sitting down with the world’s best mountain runners, emerging talents, legendary figures, or the people working behind the scenes, The Steep Stuff explores what makes these individuals tick, what they’ve learned along the way, and why they continue to push themselves into the mountains. It’s all things trail, mountain and skyrunning—and the people who make the sport what it is.

  1. 3d ago

    Most Replayed Episode: Matt Daniels

    Send us Fan Mail Something breaks in an athlete’s season, and the story usually gets edited into a neat comeback. We do the opposite here. Matt Daniels talks with us in real time about the messy middle: a divorce, an unexpected mold exposure that kept making him sick after travel, and the slow process of feeling like a normal human again. From there, we map how he’s rebuilding toward Run Rabbit Run, including what changed once he brought on CTS coach Cliff Pittman and started treating long-distance development as a craft, not a gamble. We also get into the side of trail running most people only whisper about, the business. Matt shares how working with an agent takes the stress out of negotiations, why brand alignment matters more as you get older, and how athlete media is becoming a real second lane. That naturally leads to the Boulder Boys Show: how it started as friends talking on long runs, why honesty resonates, and what joining Jonathan Levitt’s collective could mean for exposure and sponsorship opportunities. Fueling is the performance thread that ties it together. Matt explains why nutrition has been his limiter in ultras and how Hyperlight’s simple, high-carb approach helps him train his gut for 100 miles. We trade stories on Sierre-Zinal and Zegama, then zoom out to the future of professional trail running: UTMB’s gravity, why the Olympics might be the wrong fit, how prize money and media rights could shape athlete pay, and why anti-doping conversations are only getting louder. If you care about ultramarathon training, sponsorship reality, and where trail running is headed next, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a running friend, and leave a rating and review so more people can find the show. Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

    Most Replayed Episode: Matt Daniels

  2. 5d ago

    #200 - Chrissy Lofgren, 2026 Pikes Peak Marathon Champion

    Send us Fan Mail Winning Pikes Peak isn’t just about fitness, it’s about decisions you make when your lungs are burning, your stomach is turning, and the mountain keeps asking for more. I sit down with Chrissy fresh off her Pikes Peak Marathon win to replay the day from the first miles on Barr Trail to the long, lonely stretches above treeline where you don’t get feedback from the pack, you only get truth from your own pacing. We talk about the tactical side of mountain racing: why the W’s can ruin your race if you surge, how she stayed controlled even while moving into the lead, and what it’s like to chase the men and run your own race when you’re suddenly out front. Chrissy also gets real about race-morning nausea and the unsexy skill that separates great days from disasters: continuing to fuel with gels, fluids, and sodium so you still have something for the descent. If you care about trail running nutrition, high altitude strategy, and finishing strong instead of just surviving, you’ll get a lot out of this one. From there we zoom out to the season that built this result, including consistency on trails, learning through frequent racing, and the value of having coach Rachel Spaulding and a tight Colorado Springs training community. Chrissy shares how she balances a demanding nursing career with training, why gravel biking helps her stay durable, and what’s next as she pivots toward CIM and a faster road marathon while still keeping her heart in the mountains. We even nerd out on shoes, including why the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro felt so locked-in on Pikes Peak. If you enjoy these athlete deep dives, subscribe, share this with a training partner, and leave a rating and review so more runners can find the show. Follow Chrissy on IG - @Chrissy Lofgren Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

    #200 - Chrissy Lofgren, 2026 Pikes Peak Marathon Champion

  3. 6d ago

    #199 - Darren Thomas, 2026 Pikes Peak Marathon Champion

    Send us Fan Mail Ten tries at Pikes Peak can either break you or build you. Our guest Darren Thomas shows exactly what it looks like when it builds you, turning a decade of near-misses into a 2026 Pikes Peak Marathon win that’s equal parts patience, craft, and pure downhill grit. We talk through the emotions of finally getting the hometown title, the weird whiplash of flying home and going straight back to work, and why “post-race depression” gets easier to manage when you return to real life quickly.  Then we get into the race breakdown trail runners actually want: where Kieran Hammer put pressure on the climb, how Darren refused to chase splits, what altitude felt like above treeline, and how a six-minute deficit at the summit disappeared fast once the descent began. We also dig into how the Bar Trail has changed over the years, why downhill running is a skill you earn, and what “racing by vibes” really means when you’re trying to win at 14,000 feet.  From there, the conversation widens into Darren’s full 2026 trail running season, staying healthy after years of injury cycles, strength training, and the simple rule that saves careers: if it starts to hurt, don’t run that day. We also talk long-distance racing, hydration and nutrition, chasing classic European events like Zegama and UTMB, sponsorship without becoming an influencer, and why stepping back from social media can make you a better athlete and a happier person. If you love mountain running, altitude training, and honest race strategy from a champion, this one delivers.  If you enjoy the show, subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, share it with a friend who loves trail racing, and leave a rating and review so more people can find Steep Stuff. Follow Darren on IG - @greatbasinranger Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

    #199 - Darren Thomas, 2026 Pikes Peak Marathon Champion

  4. Sep 23

    #198 - Aimee Kohler, RD of the Running Kind Introducing the new Catskill 100

    Send us Fan Mail A new 100-mile race is coming to the Catskill Mountains, and it’s not pulling any punches. Amy Kohler, race director at The Running Kind, joins us to reveal the Catskill 100, a technical Northeast ultra marathon that leans hard into steep climbs, rocky descents, and true backcountry vibes. Think Devil’s Path brutality up front, big mountain linkups across the range, and more than 27,000 feet of vert that won’t feel “easy” for a single step. If you’ve ever felt like the Catskills get overlooked in mountain running conversations, this one makes the argument in the loudest possible way.  We walk through the course like a guided tour: where it starts, how the Devil’s Path packs massive elevation into a short distance, and why this terrain can favor strong hikers as much as fast runners. We also get into the on-the-ground realities that make this a serious undertaking, including DEC permitting through state-designated wilderness, minimal road running, long stretches with limited cell service, and the operational lift of building aid stations at trailheads. Amy shares ideas for a Phoenicia halfway cheer zone and what it takes to staff an event that can run for 51 hours.  Then we zoom out to the bigger “why.” The Running Kind is a carbon neutral race organization, and Amy ties trail running directly to stewardship and advocacy, including what she learned meeting lawmakers in Washington, DC with Runners for Public Lands. We break down the Roadless Rule and the Travel Management Rule in plain language, why they matter for trail access and safety, and how runners can have real influence by paying attention and speaking up.  If you’re excited for the Catskill 100, share this with a friend who loves technical terrain, then subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming race previews and interviews. And if the show helps you, leave a rating and review to help new listeners find it. Follow the Running Kind - @therunningkind For More Information on the Catskill 100 - > Catskill 100 Register for the Catskill 100 - > Catskill 100 Registration  Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

    #198 - Aimee Kohler, RD of the Running Kind Introducing the new Catskill 100

  5. Sep 20

    A Special Discount Code for Listeners

    Send us Fan Mail A Special Discount Code for Listeners Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

  6. Sep 19

    #197 - Will Johnson

    Send us Fan Mail Pikes Peak week has a way of making every runner take stock: what am I chasing, and what’s actually worth it when the climb gets real? I sit down with Will, a full-time high school English teacher and developing mountain runner, to talk about the years-long build behind “overnight” progress and why the best performances usually come from a love of the work, not a fear of the result. We trace his path from the Pacific Northwest to Western Colorado University in Gunnison, where day-to-day trail miles with a stacked crew helped shape his approach to training, racing, and staying grounded as the sport gets louder.  From there, we get honest about pressure, self-criticism, and the post-college urge to make something happen immediately. Will explains why he picks races for the place and the experience, even when the elevation gain is intimidating, and why the finish line rarely delivers the fulfillment people expect. We also dig into his coaching relationship with Kieran, how they think in multi-year arcs, and what it takes to rebuild speed and running economy after a big hundred-mile effort while keeping the stoke high for a legendary mountain race.  You’ll also hear how he balances ultrarunning training with the real demands of teaching, why Southern Colorado terrain near Mancos and Durango is an underrated playground for technical trail running, and how music and creative writing keep his creativity sharp. We even go deep on AI and why he and his students push back against shortcuts in art and learning. If you care about trail running mindset, ultramarathon training, and the craft of becoming a better mountain athlete, this one will stick with you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s training for a big climb, and leave a review so more runners can find the show. Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

    #197 - Will Johnson

  7. Sep 18

    History of the Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon with Mark Tatum

    Send us Fan Mail One mountain, nearly a century of stories, and a finish line that keeps moving further into the clouds. We sit down to unpack the deep history of the Pikes Peak Marathon and Pikes Peak Ascent, from its early ascent roots to the moment it becomes one of the most competitive mountain running events in the United States. We talk about how the race really starts taking shape, including the strange early “smokers vs non-smokers” era, the legends who helped define what was possible, and the athletes whose names deserve to be remembered. We dig into why the Pikes Peak results database matters so much, how Matt Carpenter shaped the race both on the trail and online, and why his records became the standard everyone measured themselves against. From skyrunning pivots and WMRA championship spotlight years to the Golden Trail World Series surge, we connect the dots between big organizational decisions and the moments fans still argue about. We also get practical about what makes Pikes Peak uniquely hard: altitude, weather swings, barometric pressure, and pacing traps like the W’s. If you love trail running history, mountain running strategy, and the culture of racing a 14er, this one is for you. Subscribe for more deep dives, share this with a friend who loves big climbs, and leave a review with your favorite Pikes Peak era or record to chase. Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

  8. Sep 17

    #196 - Erin Ton, FKT on Mount Kilimanjaro

    Send us Fan Mail She didn’t just beat a record on Mount Kilimanjaro, she rewrote what “supported speed” can look like at 19,000 feet. Aaron Ton joins us fresh off a massive double: new supported ascent and supported round-trip Fastest Known Times on Kilimanjaro, plus an honest look at the parts that felt smooth and the part that nearly derailed everything when altitude slammed her around 15,000 feet. We get into the real build behind a big mountain FKT: stacking altitude in Colorado, grabbing a fast acclimation bump in Ecuador near Quito, then navigating Tanzania logistics where a lost bag and a strict six-day permit window forced a smarter timeline. Aaron breaks down the Mweka route from humid jungle darkness to high, dry rock, how she staged guides at camps to meet national park rules, and why those guides weren’t just “support” but true athletes who helped her unlock speed on the descent. Then we zoom out to the bigger mission: chasing speed records across the Seven Summits. Aaron explains why Mount Elbrus is suddenly on the table, what it takes to get a Russia visa, why Denali intimidates her more than Everest, and how she thinks about risk, intention, and the way social media can make dangerous terrain look easy. We also talk optimization culture, consumerism in trail running, and a post-climb Tanzania safari that raises its own conservation tradeoffs. If you enjoy deep dives on mountain running, altitude strategy, and the mindset behind big objectives, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a rating and review. Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

    #196 - Erin Ton, FKT on Mount Kilimanjaro
See All (395)

4.8
out of 5
52 Ratings

About

Professional trail runner James Lauriello sits down with some of the most interesting athletes, coaches, adventurers, and personalities in the mountain running world to take an inside look at what drives them and what it really takes to chase greatness in the mountains. With no script and no two conversations quite the same, The Steep Stuff Podcast dives deep into the people, stories, and ideas shaping trail, mountain, and skyrunning. From training and racing to adventure, gear, lifestyle, the highs and lows of competition, and everything in between, James brings an athlete’s perspective and genuine curiosity to every conversation. Whether it’s sitting down with the world’s best mountain runners, emerging talents, legendary figures, or the people working behind the scenes, The Steep Stuff explores what makes these individuals tick, what they’ve learned along the way, and why they continue to push themselves into the mountains. It’s all things trail, mountain and skyrunning—and the people who make the sport what it is.

Information

  • Creator
    James Lauriello
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    395
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Steep Stuff Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Steep Stuff Podcast

You Might Also Like