Shows / EARTHMOVERS
EARTHMOVERS
EARTHMOVERS, with Alison Mariella Désir, Stefanie Flippin, Verna NezBegay Volker is a podcast dedicated to trailblazers reclaiming the narrative by centering the experiences of people of color on the trails–with stories, insights, and wisdom for everyone. Weekly conversations celebrate the growth, joy, and healing of getting in nature, and the challenging issues around exclusion and discrimination—as told by those who know from experience. Expect a vibe that is honest, casual, serious, fun…
Episodes
EARTHMOVERSBuilding Inclusivity and Navigating Chronic Illness: Nell Rojas at Take the Lead
This episode of Earthmovers was recorded LIVE at the Women of Color Take the Lead Retreat in Los Angeles, September 2026: it features co-host Alison Mariella…
EARTHMOVERSAmplifying the Unheard—Filmmaking as a Tool of Resistance: Faith Briggs Rose
In this episode of Earthmovers, co-host Stefanie Flippin is joined by Faith Briggs Rose. As a documentarian, nonprofit leader, lifelong runner, mother, and…
EARTHMOVERSTrail Running Culture, Hardcore Values, Addressing Change: Chris Z
Co-host Alison Mariella Désir is joined by Chris Z, a 47-year-old writer, ultrarunner, cat lover, and coffee connoisseur living in Germany; he is also a former…
EARTHMOVERSWhat Staying True to Oneself on Social Media Actually Looks Like: Jess Mena
What does it look like to be truly authentic to yourself and your values, even when it's tough? Even on social media when you're going to ruffle some feathers?…
EARTHMOVERS40 Acres and a Mule, Land Conservation, Social Equity: Jade Stevens
In this episode, co-host Alison Mariella Désir is joined by Jade Stevens, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the 40 Acre Conservation League, California’s…
EARTHMOVERSTrail Running in Hijab, Fitting Ultras Into Parenting & Career: Hibah Hefzy
In this episode co-hosts Stefanie Flippin and Verna NezBegay Volker sit down with Hebah Hezfy. As a neurologist, mother, and hijabi trail runner, Hezfy is our…
EARTHMOVERSLand Use, Land Back, Integrating Humans into Natural Spaces: Sergio Avila
In this episode, host Verna NezBegay Volker is joined by Sergio Avila, a trail runner and conservation scientist turned outdoor advocate, with a focus on…
EARTHMOVERSNew Beginnings, Parenthood, Amplifying Diversity Within Trail Running
We are back! With Season 3 of Earthmovers: the podcast dedicated to trailblazers reclaiming the narrative. Hosts hosts Alison Mariella Désir, Stefanie Flippin…
EARTHMOVERSThe Intersection of Trail Running, Politics, & White Supremacy
This conversation was inspired by recent events, but as the hosts make clear, this lack of accountability isn't new. Verna, Stefanie, and Alison provide…
EARTHMOVERSRepresentation and Diverse Trail Running Stories: A Look Back on Season 2
Hear about memorable moments from the season; surprises, learnings, and joys. Alison, Verna, and Stefanie also discuss what they are looking forward to next…
EARTHMOVERSDiversifying the Running Industry: Kiera Smalls, RIDC
The mission of the RIDC is to “unite the running industry to improve inclusion, visibility, and access while creating clearer pathways for people to enter the…
EARTHMOVERSBeing an Ally in Trail Running: Yuri Hauswald, GU
Additionally, Yuri taught school for 12 years before working for GU. Yuri has always been someone who aims to create welcoming spaces for all, and this has…
EARTHMOVERSNative Perspectives on Ultra Trail Running, Race Directing: Harold Bennally
Harold Benally is Navajo, living in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a longtime distance runner and has run road marathons and now runs ultra trail races. He’s competed…
EARTHMOVERSInclusivity, Mental Health as a Latina Trail Runner: Cristina Regalado
Christina Regalado is an ultra trail runner, physician's assistant, daughter of El Salvadoran and Mexican immigrants, and the co-founder of Wasatch Trails…
EARTHMOVERSCulture Shifting, Addressing Racism and Misogyny: Phoebe Robinson
Phoebe brings it in this conversation, shining a light on how she is shifting and reclaiming the narrative through her work. Phoebe Robinson is a standup…
EARTHMOVERSBringing Native Communities into Trail Running: Brandon Dugi
Brandon grew up on the Navajo Nation, in the remote area of LeChee. He talks to Verna about how he was raised in traditional Navajo culture. He also talks…
EARTHMOVERSExpanding Access for Latina Women in Trail Running: Priscilla Rojas
In addition to being a runner and community organizer, Rojas is a biotech scientist. She is also an ambassador for the LA Marathon and the Endurance Race…
EARTHMOVERSDiverse Voices in Trail Running Media: Schuyler Hall
Yes, Schuyler Hall does a lot! Schuyler shares how he first got into running and his experiences on the trails in Arizona, as one of the original media…
EARTHMOVERSBuilding Inclusive Trail Races: Katy Farrell, Rainshadow Running
This conversation goes there, in the best ways possible. Katy shares how they first discovered trail running in their adult years and how that eventually led…
EARTHMOVERSMaking Trail Running More Inclusive: We Are Back!
Verna, our resident Minnesotan, who lived for 16 years in Minneapolis, talks about running in winter and the impact of the ICE siege in her area, for herself…
EARTHMOVERSBonus: Runner’s Round Table with Stephanie Diaz, ft. Alison Mariella Désir
The Runner’s Roundtable with Stephanie Diaz features female runners, run coaches, and entrepreneurs in the running space. The goal is to uplift their voices…
EARTHMOVERSAdvocating for All Paces, All Bodies in Running: Martinus Evans
This engaging and dynamic trio talked about Evans' running journey, creating the 40K+ strong Slow AF Run Club, how he’s dealt with criticism–both online and in…
EARTHMOVERSAmplifying Diverse Voices in Trail Running: Reflecting on Season 1
Hear about memorable moments from the season; surprises, learnings, and joys; and what Alison, Verna, and Stefanie are looking forward to next. Oh, and yes…
EARTHMOVERSUltrarunning for Social Impact, Across Africa and Europe: Deo Kato
Deo Kato is a runner, coach, and racial equity activist. He was born in Uganda, and at age 10 came to London, where he still lives. Today he is best known for…
EARTHMOVERSWelcoming Immigrant Communities to Trail Running: Zagdaa and Tuvshin Baatar
"You cannot act in a different way in the mountains," says Zagdaa. "You have to be yourself." The Bataars have a lifetime of experience in the outdoors, but…
EARTHMOVERSBuilding Representation for Asian Women Trail Runners: Ellie Windham
Ellie sat down with EARTHMOVERS co-host Verna to talk about her running background and how she developed into a running community leader. Their conversation…
EARTHMOVERSAdvocating For All Mothers: Olympic Medalist Alysia Montaño
Alison and Alysia get deep, and they also share some laughs, covering a range of topics. Alysia brings her vast experience as a world-class athlete and a…
EARTHMOVERSBuilding An Inclusive Trail Running Community, Latinx Leadership: Yolanda López Haugabook
Yolanda, known as “Yo,” is a marathoner, hybrid athlete, and community builder. She ran her first marathon after just five months of training and then went on…
EARTHMOVERSNative Women Experiences Running the Cocodona 250: Missy Hendricks, Wynonna Fulgham
Both Missy and Wynonna, who are themselves native as well–Mescalero Apache and Navajo, respectively–were introduced to ultra trail running through NWR…
EARTHMOVERSIndigenous Perspectives on Healing through Shared Miles: Verna's First 100 Miler
Stefanie and Verna dive into all that went into Verna reaching her 100-mile goal, a process that's been years in the making, as well as how the race went down…
EARTHMOVERSBuilding Inclusion, Addressing Racism in Ultratrail Running: Dora Atim
In this conversation between EARTHMOVERS co-host Alison Mariella Désir and Dora Atim, Atim shares how she got started in running, and what got her out on the…
EARTHMOVERSBreaking Barriers, through Music and Trail Running: Miki Sawada
Miki Sawada is an ultra trail runner and professional pianist who focuses on bringing classical music to community spaces through her nonprofit Gather Hear…
EARTHMOVERSBuilding Diversity in Trail Running: Everybody Outside!
In this premier episode, EARTHMOVERS hosts Alison Mariella Désir, Stefanie Flippin, and Verna NezBegay Volker get on the mic. They catch up on their recent…