The Steep Stuff Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Denali Strabel, a remarkable figure in the sub-ultra and Alaskan mountain running scenes. She shares her incredible path from training for Mount Marathon to clinching a podium finish at the Rut 28K in 2024. Denali opens up about the intricacies of training postpartum, the influence of her coach David Roche, and the vibrant yet often o...

Send us Fan Mail From football to trail running, and from addiction to entrepreneurship, Franc Sunseri, also known as Francesco, shares his compelling story of transformation. As the founder of Run Slut, Franc’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of sport as a vehicle for change. We explore his battles with addiction, his experiences in the trail running community, and the challeng...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered who truly holds the rights to Fastest Known Times and how influencers and athletes navigate this complex dynamic? Jason Hardrath joins us to celebrate our 100th episode and offers an insider's perspective on this debate while taking us on a journey through his recent high-altitude exploits in Papua New Guinea. With a nod to the evolving landscape of end...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on the Steep Stuff Podcast for a riveting conversation with endurance athlete David Hedges, who has captivated the trail running world with his remarkable Fastest Known Time (FKT) records. Journey with David from the flatlands of Chicago to the majestic peaks of Colorado as he shares the mental and physical dedication necessary to succeed as a sponsored athlete. From sky r...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when life throws a curveball, and you're faced with one of the toughest battles of your life? Join me as I sit down with Nicholas Coleman, a pioneering force in podcasting and a revered figure in the trail running community, as he shares his story of resilience and determination in the face of a cancer diagnosis. Nick's journey with Hodgkin's lymphoma i...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare to be inspired by the remarkable journey of Cole Campbell, 2024's 50K National Title Holder, as he shares his path to success in the world of competitive running. Gain insights into his triumphant 2023 and 2024 seasons, and discover his ambitious plans for 2025, including the Black Canyon 100K and a potential venture into sub-ultra races. Cole’s story of hard work, de...

Send us Fan Mail This episode brings an exciting conversation with Todd and Renee from Go Beyond Racing, where they share insights into organizing trail races, especially their new Fire Lane Trail Trial. Listeners will learn about the community-focused approach of Go Beyond Racing, the challenges of race directing, and the inspiring achievements of everyday runners.  • Introduction to Todd and Ren...

Send us Fan Mail Trail running enthusiasts, get ready to be inspired by the incredible journey of Karina Anderson, a young trailblazer making her mark in the world of mountain sports. At just 21, Karina has already secured a top 10 finish at the 2023 Broken Arrow VK and is making waves in the 2024 Skyrunning World Series. Join us as Karina takes us through her story, from her beginnings in track a...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an exhilarating journey with Jessie McAuley, a dynamic ski mountaineer and mountain runner hailing from the adventurous hub of Squamish, British Columbia. Transitioning from a competitive downhill mountain biker to a trail running and ski mountaineering powerhouse, Jessie shares the remarkable milestones of his athletic career, including a top ten finish at the Meet th...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on an extraordinary journey into the dynamic world of competitive running with Tyler McCandless, a remarkable athlete who has left his mark in both sub-ultra track and road racing. Tyler opens up about his inspiring evolution from a high school track enthusiast to a four-time Olympic marathon trials qualifier, now ambitiously eyeing a fifth. You'll uncover the strategi...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we embark on "The Road to Worlds" with the Steep Stuff Podcast's exciting new mini-series. We kick things off with an early preview of the Gorge Waterfalls 100k race, co-hosted by the energetic Tom Hooper. This episode brings a bold statement to the forefront: the Gorge Waterfalls 100k is not just another race; it’s a game-changer, even in the sub-ultra s...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we welcome the legendary Dan Vega, a towering figure in the Colorado Springs running community, known for his enduring passion and iconic races such as the Pikes Peak Ascent and the Leadville 100. With anecdotes spanning from his early days in California to his significant influence in the Mountain West, Dan shares his rich tapestry of experiences. From his college year...

Send us Fan Mail North Face athlete Ruby Lindquist joins us to share her inspiring journey from the wild landscapes of Moose Pass, Alaska, to becoming a formidable force in the mountain running world. Ruby's story is one of adventurous beginnings, with a childhood steeped in Nordic skiing and outdoor exploration, thanks to her parents' adventurous careers. Her love for the sport grew alo...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features an inspiring conversation with Kyle Siegel, CEO and founder of Raid Research, as he shares his journey transitioning from aerospace engineering to crafting innovative outdoor gear. The focus is on the LF2 Leader Belt, its problem-solving design, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Raid Research’s mission to elevate trail running experiences. • Introduc...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an exhilarating conversation with Connor Koch, the exceptional Arc'teryx athlete known for his remarkable feats in climbing, skiing, and mountain running. Connor is not just your typical athlete; he is a self-proclaimed "mountain artist" who combines creativity with athletic skill in his outdoor pursuits. From his early days in California to establishing...

Send us Fan Mail Legendary FKT athlete Jason Hardrath joins me, James Lauriello, for an exhilarating exploration of the sub-ultra FKTs of 2024. We introduce a unique ranking system for our favorite trails under 35 miles, spotlighting the skill and preparation these feats demand. From the overlooked achievements of sub-ultra FKTs to the thrilling creativity behind open course routes, we bring you s...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to transform from a collegiate runner in Sydney to an aspiring Olympic ski mountaineer in the rugged mountains of Colorado? Meet Lara Hamilton, whose journey is as thrilling as the slopes she conquers. In this episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast, Lara lets us into her world of high-altitude training, the challenges of balancing athletic ambition with a music caree...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features Adam Campbell, a renowned mountain runner, who shares his journey through triumph and adversity, including overcoming a devastating injury and his current role with Arcteryx. His insights into the nature of mountain running, the importance of community, and how athletes can share their stories resonate deeply throughout the conversation. • Adam's introdu...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how to effectively manage those nagging hamstring injuries that haunt athletes? Join us as we engage in a compelling conversation with the remarkable Sean Rimmer, an exceptional physical therapist and trusted friend, who shares his wisdom on tackling gluteal tendon issues and staying fit as a new dad. You'll gain valuable insights into maintaining an active life...

Send us Fan Mail Gretchen Dill, the innovative force behind MuttRuk, joins us for an inspiring conversation on the Steep Stuff Podcast, revealing how her passion for dogs and the outdoors transformed her career from graphic designer to entrepreneur. Listeners will discover the story behind MuttRuk's groundbreaking launch on Kickstarter in 2019 with its signature 14-liter day pack, inspired by...

Send us Fan Mail Kim Dobson, the Queen of Pikes Peak, graces our podcast with her incredible journey from a casual runner to a celebrated mountain racer. Embarking on her running passion during high school cross-country and nurturing it through her college days at CSU, Kim shares her transformation into a structured athlete. With tales of spontaneous marathon adventures and hiking Colorado's...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it takes to conquer the toughest trails and mountain races? Sit down with us as we chat with Robyn Lesh, a formidable force in the trail running world, who shares the secrets behind her stellar 2024 season. From a thrilling victory at the Speedgoat 28k to a determined fourth-place finish at the Meet the Minotaur Sky Race, Robyn's journey is a riveting tale...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an insightful journey with Johnny Luna Lima, a standout North Face athlete and one of the top mountain runners in the U.S. Discover how Johnny transitioned from his early days on the soccer field to conquering Spartan races and embracing the world of mountain running. Johnny generously shares his process-oriented approach to training, emphasizing professionalism and di...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a thrilling conversation with Julian Carr, the legendary free skier and mastermind behind the Cirque Series. Discover how Julian's childhood hikes in Salt Lake City with his father sparked a lifelong passion for mountain sports, ultimately leading him to create the Cirque Series. Julian gives us an insider's look into how his frustration with traditional race...

Send us Fan Mail Cade Michael takes center stage in this thrilling episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast, where we uncover the details of his meteoric rise in the trail running scene. From his roots in the vast terrain of West Texas to dominating the 2024 Golden Trail World Series and Broken Arrow races, Cade’s journey is a testament to talent meeting opportunity. He shares how the inspiring landscap...