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 Bonus Episode - Introducing Stefan Schuster [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:32
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For this Bonus Episode we welcome HPRS runner Stefan Schuster, our new co-host for our summer series of shows!
HPRS Podcast - Episode 11: Steve White, What Is Truth? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:52
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 11 we welcome HPRS runner Steve White to talk about the question on the back of his bib from Stories Ultra 2022.
HPRS Update: April 2022 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:48
Quick HPRS update with RD John Lacroix! He'll discuss upcoming episodes, and a little more behind the scenes at HPRS.
HPRS Podcast - Episode 7: Danny Manimbo, Perspective [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:01
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 7 we welcome HPRS runner Danny Manimbo who joined us to talk about keeping things in perspective in life and along its many journeys.
HPRS Podcast - Episode 6: The Redman's, An Ultra Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:53
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 6 we welcome HPRS runners Orrin Redman and Rachael Redman who joined us to talk about their experiences as an ultra family.
HPRS Podcast - Episode 4: Nicole Bosco, Leadership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:55
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 4 we welcome HPRS runner Nicole Bosco who joined us to talk about leadership.
HPRS Podcast - Episode 3: Joe Von Bokern [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:34
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 3 we welcome HPRS runner Joe Von Bokern who joined us to talk about.. well.. anything. This is an entertaining episode full of personality.
HPRS Podcast - Episode 2: Mary Stumbaugh, The Back of the Pack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:48
Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 2 we welcome HPRS runner Mary Stumbaugh who joined us to specifically talk about what it's like to proudly be a back of the packer, and all around a…