Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series Podcast.

In Episode 73, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix sits down with Andrew Buck Michael, a meteorologist from Ohio and host of the Weathering the Run podcast. Together, they explore the strange and beautiful relationship between weather, running, and resilience; and how much of our training happens in conditions we can't control.

Andrew shares how he grew up on an Ohio farm watching storm clouds roll in with his dad, how that early curiosity turned into a career in broadcast meteorology, and how running became the outlet that grounded him through it all. The two dive into the mindset of runners who head out when most people stay inside; the ones who face heat, cold, wind, and storms not because they have to, but because something in them needs to.

They talk about how weather shapes us as runners and as humans. How unpredictability forces adaptability. How the trails teach us acceptance. There's also plenty of laughter, nerding out about radar models, talk about GIS maps, and reflections on parenting, balance, and what it means to stay in motion when life gets messy.

If you've ever run through rain just to see what you're made of, or found calm in a snowstorm miles from home, you'll feel right at home in this episode.

And while you're at it, check out Andrew's show, Weathering the Run, for more stories from runners who know what it means to lean into the elements.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. In Episode 72, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix discusses the power of civil discourse, the importance of empathy, and the enduring impact of national events on our community. John reflects on the legacy of September 11th, the recent tragedy involving Charlie Kirk, and the value of open-minded conversation, even with those we may disagree with. He also shares personal stories from his two decades in trail and ultra running, exploring the roots and evolution of the sport, the challenges of advocacy, and what it means to protect the heart and soul of the running community. The episode is rounded out by updates from John's advocacy efforts, which highlight major changes to permitting and insurance requirements that will have huge implications across the sport. Join us for a thought-provoking, heartfelt episode that invites listeners to consider the true meaning of unity, resilience, and the spirit of ultra running.

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.