Crossover Episode: Mario Fraioli on the Grounded Podcast with Dinée Dorame

Mario Fraioli | August 16, 2021

“The hardest step in anything is to start—that’s the hardest step. The second hardest thing is to stay with it. That sounds really obvious but I think keeping those two things in mind—you can’t stay with it until you start, so 1. Just get started, and then 2. When you stay with it, you’ll have days when you want to quit, and you’re like, ‘Is this worth it?’ whether it’s podcasting, whether it’s continuing on with the run, whether it’s being in a relationship. Staying with it is hard but that’s the second hardest part and you’ve got to keep working through that and I think having people who can help you with that, whether it’s in a mentorship role, whether it’s a training partner, or a partner, find those people, because I think it’s a lot easier to get through things—whatever it is—when you’ve got support from others.”

Trying something a little different this week: I’m sharing a special crossover episode of the Grounded Podcast with Dinée Dorame featuring me as her guest. Dinée asked me questions no one has ever asked me in an interview before. We talked about my obsession with basketball, the early days of my journalism and coaching careers, diversity and inclusion in the running industry, and a lot more. I really enjoyed this conversation and I hope that you will too.

You may remember Dinée from back on Episode 145 of the morning shakeout podcast, which came out earlier this year right before she launched her show, and I recommend checking that one out or revisiting it if you haven’t already. Dinée and I got connected late last year through the Tracksmith fellowship program, I’ve been mentoring her over the past 8 months or so on her own podcast journey, and she’s become like a younger sister to me—I think I’ve learned more from her than she has from me and she’s someone I respect and admire so much.

Dinée’s podcast helps fill a huge gap in the running podcast space: Every week she explores the intersection between running, culture, land and community through long-form conversations with runners of all backgrounds and levels. You can find it in all the usual places you listen to podcasts if you search for the Grounded Podcast with Dinée Dorame, and you can also follow the show on Instagram and Twitter @groundedpod. She’s had some awesome guests thus far, including Meb Keflezighi, Jordan Marie Daniel, Ric and Nell Rojas, and my personal favorite: Billy Mills. Dinee’s voice is important. I am so proud of the work she’s doing and the impact it’s making in the running industry.

Dinée Dorame: Instagram | Twitter | Podcast

the morning shakeout: Instagram | Twitter

Mario Fraioli: Website | Strava

Music and editing for this episode of the morning shakeout podcast by John Summerford.