Been To The Mountain Top

In this episode of the Been to the Mountain Top Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews his podcast producer Gunce Akpinar. They discuss Steve's current projects, the pressures he faces, and the importance of mental resilience in training for a marathon. The conversation also touches on themes of collective liberation, community impact, and reflections on life and legacy, culminating in details...

In this episode of Been to the Mountain Top Podcast, Steve Larosiliere interviews Libby DeLana, an executive creative director, writer, and mentor, who shares her journey of self-discovery and authenticity. Libby discusses the importance of embracing hard experiences, the power of community and rituals, and how her cold water practice has transformed her perspective on joy. She reflects on her men...

In this Stoked Edition, Steve Larosiliere and Cue Pierre move from style and first impressions to the real work of building programs and systems that meet young people where they are. They touch on how appearance shapes perception (mustaches, glasses, NYFW) and why Steve ultimately left NYC for Chicago—family, school access, and the cost-of-living calculus many parents face. Then they dive into St...

In this episode of the Been to the Mountain Top podcast, host Steve Larosiliere discusses the alarming crisis of disconnection among today's youth, highlighting the loneliness epidemic and the lack of emotional support. He emphasizes the critical role of mentorship as a solution to these issues, presenting statistics that demonstrate the positive impact of mentorship on young people's lives. Steve...

In this episode of Been to the Mountain Top, art historian and curator Carrie Scott shares how a transatlantic upbringing and a career spent both inside and outside elite institutions led her to launch Seen.art a community-forward, WhatsApp-native platform making the art world radically more accessible. Carrie unpacks why traditional galleries often feel uninviting, how the market's over-financial...

In this first weekly recap of Been to the Mountain Top: Stoked Edition, Steve Larosiliere sits down with Stoked Program Manager Cue Pierre to share big updates and a bold challenge. The team is expanding to 10 schools, prepping a 20th anniversary celebration on November 6, and rallying the nation to break the world record for most mentoring pledges in 24 hours. You'll hear how they plan to mobiliz...

In this episode of Been to the Mountain Top, Steve calls his shot: raise $1,000,000 by December 31 and break a world record on November 6 in support of Stoked, the youth mentoring organization he founded. He lays out a focused fundraising plan anchored by the NYC Marathon, a silent and art auction, sponsorships, and a “20 x $20K” challenge—while documenting the journey daily for accountability and...

In this introductory episode of the Been to the Mountain Top podcast, host Steve Larosiliere shares his journey from nonprofit founder to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of community, mission, and purpose. He discusses the podcast's intention to connect listeners with their own paths to success and empowerment while also documenting his personal journey. Steve invites creatives, founders,...