HPRS Podcast – Episode 71: Exploring A Human Potential Documentary

HPRS Podcast – Episode 71: Exploring A Human Potential Documentary

Author: John Lacroix September 10, 2025 Duration: 42:54

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 71, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-hosts Thomas Stott and Megan Storms reveal an exciting project spearheaded by Tommy. In this episode, we crack open a big idea: the future Human Potential documentary. Not a highlight reel. Not a brag piece. But a raw, honest exploration of what it really means to show up on trails, in all your humanness, and become something more.

John shares the deeper vision behind the project and how it connects to our core belief in Human Potential. They discuss a 10-part docuseries unfolding across the 2026 season, from RegFest to finish lines and the messy middle in between, which has now morphed into a feature film. 

We talk about the "why" behind it:

  • To show the human side of trail adventures, not just the triumphs

  • To explore what people find out there when they're willing to go all in

  • To give outsiders a real answer to "Why would anyone do this?"

  • To help our own community reflect on what their journey means

We're starting to gather footage now, and we're looking for folks in the HPRS community who are willing to be part of it. You don't need to be fast. You don't need to be flashy. We're looking for:

  • Grit

  • Vulnerability

  • People who are willing to go deep

  • And your real, natural self on camera

If that sounds like you, or someone you know, reach out. This is a story we're telling together.


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…