Josiah Hesse

Josiah Hesse is a Denver-based investigative journalist and author whose work explores the intersections of science, culture, and personal transformation. As a freelance journalist, Hesse covers topics including politics, science, crime, art, pop culture, and evangelical culture and theology. His reporting appears in The Guardian and Vice, as well as in Esquire, Newsweek, Men's Health, and Politico. Hesse serves as senior editor of the arts and literature magazine Suspect Press and is the author of the psychological horror novel "Carnality: Dancing On Red Lake."

Hesse is recognized for the book "Runner's High: How a Movement of Cannabis-Fueled Athletes Is Changing the Science of Sports," which examines the subculture of athletes who integrate cannabis into their training routines. Drawing inspiration from narrative-driven science writing and works such as "Born to Run," the book investigates how athletes use cannabis, the scientific relationship between the drug and exercise, the regulation of marijuana in sports, and cultural perceptions of both athletes and cannabis users. The book has received attention from ultramarathoners, physicians, and authors, and has been discussed in outlets including High Times.

Hesse's interest in cannabis and athletics stems from personal experience. Initially sedentary and a cigarette smoker, he began running for mental health benefits and found the activity more enjoyable when combined with cannabis edibles. Through his investigative journalism on cannabis, politics, and evangelical culture, Hesse discovered widespread cannabis use among athletes across sports organizations such as the PGA, NFL, NBA, and UFC. His research highlights that many athletes use cannabis to improve focus and enhance the experience of physical activity.

Hesse's work also extends into memoir and cultural history. In "On Fire for God: Fear, Shame, Poverty, and the Making of the Christian Right – a Personal History," he examines how evangelical Christianity has influenced its followers and contributed to the rise of the Christian right as a political force. The memoir explores cultural and political issues in America through a personal lens.

With more than a decade of experience in journalism, Hesse presents multimedia lectures on the intersection of cannabis and athletics at universities, conventions, and private events. His reporting on topics such as cannabis in sports and the evolution of the Christian right reflects a commitment to in-depth research and analysis, making Hesse a notable voice in discussions about cannabis, sports science, and American culture.