Meet James Lauriello

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Lauriello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It was one of the those obvious things in the space – where I saw a need and kind of just jumped on the idea.

I had been a professional athlete in the sport for about two years at the time when I thought to myself that there were very few media organizations, and commentators following the sport – so what a better way to do the thing then have an athlete who actually knows the sport take a shot at covering it with the podcast.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It’s hard to put myself in any kind of box really. For starters I began as a trail & mountain athlete, particularly in the discipline of trail running and from there as a professional in the sport, saw a need to cover the sport both as a race commentator and primarily as a podcast host in the space. We cover the sport of trail and mountain running, across the world and help elevate both races and athletes.

I wouldn’t say I’ve made it, or are anywhere near making it. I’m still very early in the stages of figuring this project out. But with what limited success we’ve had so far I can say it wasn’t necessarily difficult, like any sport or to get good at anything it just required immense dedication and a degree of obsession.

I’d say some of the largest challenges I’ve faced so far have been developing a listener base, staying true to myself, balancing both obligations as an athlete and commentator, training at a high level while trying to make this project work and most of all finding balance in life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First off, we’d go for a little hike / jog up the Manitou Incline, followed by a a coffee and bagel at the Loft in Manitou Springs, CO.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost I’d love to give a shoutout to my wife, Rose. Without her none of this is possible. I spend a lot of time traveling and away from home and over the years, Rose has been willing to change vacation plans to accommodate my racing plans and media obligations. Without her helping in every way to make my life easier, none of this would be possible.

Instagram: @jameslauriello / @thesteepstuff_pod

Other: Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-steep-stuff-podcast/id1736139061

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0mWgbjvZRPVSBgNH71uBBn?si=VDxe4UqPRg–qUtdUWmfVg