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 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…