Josh Rosenthal is the host of the Borderlands Trail and Ultra Running Podcast,where he explores the people, races, and ideas shaping modern trail running and ultrarunning.
He launched the podcast in 2022 while promoting Borderlands’ first documentary, DFL BEFORE DNF, which tells the story of Jeremy Cox finishing the 2019 Buffalo 100 long after the finish line had been taken down. When several major podcasts declined his attempt to buy ad space to promote the film, Rosenthal decided to start his own show—an extension of his broader goal with Borderlands: opening the gates wider to more voices and perspectives in trail and ultra running.
Rosenthal ran his first trail race in 2014 and completed his first ultramarathon the following year. He began with the North Face Endurance Challenge series and later found a deeper connection with the rugged desert races of central and southern Utah.
Before launching Borderlands, Rosenthal spent years as a touring musician, releasing ten albums and performing nationally. That background made the transition to podcasting natural, bringing him back to the microphone in a new way—this time focused on long-form conversations with runners, race directors, filmmakers, and thinkers across the sport.
Through the Borderlands Trail & Ultra Running Podcast, Rosenthal’s curiosity drives conversations that go beyond race results. Episodes often explore what motivates people to keep going when they want to quit, the culture of ultrarunning, and the evolving landscape of trail running around the world.
Prior to diving headlong into trail and ultra running, Josh Rosenthal co-founded La Barba Coffee, Seabird, Yoko Ramen, Creek Tea & Books, Sealevel Insights, Pine Ventures, Meridian Fund, and supported his wife in growing The Vintage Mixer and SLC Foodie where they together wrote SLC Chef’s Table.
Recent Favorite Episodes: Jeremy Bresnen, Laz Lake, Scott Jurek
