Backstage Pass: Ep. 31 - Finding Hope In Your Hard with James Lawrence
james lawrence bio
James Lawrence - better known as the Iron Cowboy - is a world-renowned speaker, bestselling author, and endurance athlete who redefined human potential by completing 50 Ironmans in 50 days across all 50 states - and then doing the unthinkable - 100 full-distance triathlons in 100 consecutive days.
Before becoming the greatest endurance athlete in history, James was a successful entrepreneur, running a thriving mortgage company and helping hundreds of clients build wealth through homeownership and strategic refinancing. That same relentless mindset that powered him through thousands of miles now fuels his ventures in multi-family real estate and ownership of Crumbl Cookie franchises.
He’s been named one of Sports Illustrated’s “Fittest 50,” featured in two acclaimed documentaries, and honored alongside icons like LeBron James and Conor McGregor. But James’s story isn’t just about athletic records - it’s about purpose, resilience, and refusing to settle for average.
Originally from Calgary, Canada, and now based in Utah, James is a devoted husband to Sunny and father of five. The cowboy hat he wore during races so his kids could spot him in the crowd has become a global symbol of grit, heart, and family-driven ambition.
Whether he’s conquering the impossible on the racecourse or building businesses from the ground up, James shows audiences how to lead themselves, crush excuses, and break through their perceived limits.
show notes
On this episode of Backstage Pass Gail visits with, James Lawrence, better known as The Iron Cowboy, who built his name on extreme endurance feats. But the real impact of his story? How we can all find shared hope no matter what our "hard" is.
Key topics in this episode include:
James completing 50 Ironman races in 50 days across 50 states.
The importance of balance in life and work.
The 75 Hard challenge was influenced by a conversation with James.
Discipline is a skill that develops over time through routines.
Valuable lessons learned from the chaos of his endurance challenges.
Raising over a million dollars for anti-sex trafficking efforts.
The power of community and support is crucial in overcoming challenges.
The difference between empowering others rather than just motivating them.
Managing our internal dialogues.
Suffering can be a gift that teaches resilience.
Mindset is key to achieving daily success and happiness.
Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing James Lawrence to your next event!