HPRS Podcast - Episode 67: Unmasking for Authenticity

HPRS Podcast - Episode 67: Unmasking for Authenticity

Author: John Lacroix July 1, 2025 Duration: 45:15

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. In this deeply personal Episode 67, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix shares a story he's never told publicly, until now. After a lifetime of masking and adapting to neurotypical expectations, John opens up about his recent diagnoses of ADHD (Combined Type) and Autism (Level 1). This isn't just a story about neurodivergence; it's a reckoning with leadership, identity, and the cost of pretending to be someone you're not. You'll hear how John's neurodivergence has shaped everything from race-day logistics to how he handles noise, social interaction, and emotional bandwidth. He talks candidly about Autistic Burnout and the hidden work of masking. This episode is a call to unmask; not just for him, but for all of us. It's an invitation to build a trail community where everyone belongs, regardless of how they blend in. If you've ever felt "too much" or "not enough"… this one's for you.

Topics include:

  • What it means to be neurodivergent in leadership

  • ADHD and Autism through a personal lens

  • The invisible cost of masking in trail culture

  • How HPRS is evolving to reflect sustainable leadership

  • The Community Roundtable (CRT) and a shared vision for the future


John Lacroix, the owner and race director behind the Human Potential Running Series, hosts this engaging The Human Potential Running Series Podcast. Rather than focusing solely on race results or training plans, the conversations here dig into the rich human stories that form the backbone of the trail and ultrarunning community. Each episode is built around the people who are out there on the trails, whether they're pushing their limits as runners or dedicating their time as volunteers. You'll hear from a diverse range of voices connected to HPRS, exploring their personal motivations, the challenges they've overcome, and the unique perspectives they bring to the sport. This podcast sits at the intersection of endurance sports and genuine human connection, reflecting its place in categories like Sports, Culture, and Society. It’s about the shared experiences and individual passions that make long-distance running about much more than just miles. Tuning in provides a sense of belonging and insight into what drives people to participate in this demanding yet rewarding world. The discussions are personal, often profound, and always rooted in the real lives of the community members. For anyone curious about the deeper narratives behind the running shoes and finish lines, this series offers a compelling and authentic listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 72

The Human Potential Running Series Podcast
Podcast Episodes
HPRS Podcast - Episode 34: A USFS Shakeup for Trail and Ultra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:06:02
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 34 HPRS owner and race director John Lacroix welcomes Jason Keith to the program. Jason is a trail and ultramarathon runner who works and volunteers…
HPRS Podcast - Episode 33: The Future of HPRS Part 2 with Cade Hanson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:52
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 33 HPRS owner and race director John Lacroix welcomes HPRS runners and volunteer Cade Hanson to the program. We get to know Cade and his journey int…
HPRS Podcast - Episode 32: The Future of HPRS Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02:29
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 32 HPRS owner and race director John Lacroix discusses the level of "burn out" he experienced in Late 2022/Early 2023 that almost led to his retirin…
HPRS Podcast - Episode 31: Running From The Violence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:23
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 31 we welcome Kevin, a runner who took on the Stories Ultra 15-Hour this February to discuss the answer to the question on the back of his bib, "How…
HPRS Podcast - Episode 30: Tim Leach, 2022 HPRS Rookie of the Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:39
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 30 we welcome HPRS community member Tim Leach to talk about their experiences in running. In this episode we talk about Tim's journey going from a s…
HPRS Podcast – Episode 26: Ultras Cults [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:10
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 26 we welcome HPRS runner Stefan Schuster to discuss Ultra Cults. A cult is a misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing. Wh…
HPRS Podcast – Episode 25: Thru-Hiking and Fast Packing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:23
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 25 we welcome HPRS runner Stefan Schuster to discuss his journey into thru hiking. We also talk about fast packing and how backpacking experiences c…
HPRS Podcast – Episode 24: The Life Cycle of an Ultra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:19
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 24 we welcome HPRS Assistant Race Director Emily Royal as our special guest host to discuss the life cycle of an ultra, more specifically the rise a…