Explore every episode of the podcast EARTHMOVERS
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amplifying the Unheard—Filmmaking as a Tool of Resistance: Faith Briggs Rose | 22 Oct 2026 | 01:11:46 | |
In this episode of Earthmovers, co-host Stefanie Flippin is joined by Faith Briggs Rose. As a documentarian, nonprofit leader, lifelong runner, mother, and co-host of the podcast The Trail Ahead, Faith dedicates her platform to what she knows best: creating stories. Faith’s films center marginalized communities, aiming to show the multitude of their lived experiences. Specifically, her work centers around the intersection of environment, conservation, race and culture. A graduate of Yale University, where Faith also ran track and field, and The Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University, she is also a self-described professional nerd and fierce advocate for a greener tomorrow. Among Faith’s many notable projects, she is the director of the short film that was released earlier this year and produced in partnership with The Redford Center and REI: Boyz N The Wood: Resilience in the Redwoods, which follows a group of Black men finding reflection and community through time spent outdoors. She also created the film series Who Is a Runner, which focused on running communities of color; and she starred in and produced the award winning 2020 short film THIS LAND, which featured Faith running through segments of three National Monuments under threat by the then, and now, current administration. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 3 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Books mentioned in episode EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Trail Running Culture, Hardcore Values, Addressing Change: Chris Z | 15 Oct 2026 | 00:54:32 | |
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 touring musician and music professional, having played in hardcore-punk bands. Chris is also the founder and CEO of the running clothing brand Willpower. As a writer, Chris writes on Substack under the account Das Z about ultra trail running culture; he’s the author of the book Runhundred, about his experiences at the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run; and he regularly contributes stories to various running magazines like Runner’s World, Laufzeit, and Like the Wind. In this episode, Chris and Alison talk about Chris’s background in the punk-hardcore scenes and how he made the change to become an ultra trail running. They also reflect on running culture, how it’s changed, stayed the same, and what we can do to call out problematic elements of the culture itself. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 3 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| What Staying True to Oneself on Social Media Actually Looks Like: Jess Mena | 08 Oct 2026 | 00:53:56 | |
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? In this episode, runner, coach, PT, and community builder Jess Mena talks to co-host Stefanie Flippin about this and how running has influenced her life since she was a preteen. After completing her first marathon at the age of 12, Mena has never stopped running. In this episode Flippin and Mena discuss Mena’s life juggling being a physical therapist and running coach, as well as the founder and leader of the women focused Tempo Training Run Club. They also dive into the realities of speaking out on social media, and how calling for diversity and greater accountability is not as easy as it seems. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Jess Mena on Instagram: @tempo_with_jess EARTHMOVERS Hosts Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| 40 Acres and a Mule, Land Conservation, Social Equity: Jade Stevens | 01 Oct 2026 | 00:45:29 | |
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 first Black-led land conservation organization. Through her conservation work with the League, Stevens aims to increase public access to land for underrepresented groups while protecting it. In this conversation, Alison and Jade discuss topics of what land conservation is, land trusts, and how expanding access to public lands can help raise awareness of conservationism for everyone. Jade also discusses the origins of the League's name, a reference to the unfulfilled promise by the US government after the Civil War to provide 40 acres and a mule to formerly enslaved African Americans. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 3 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Trail Running in Hijab, Fitting Ultras Into Parenting & Career: Hibah Hefzy | 24 Sep 2026 | 00:44:39 | |
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 trailblazer this week, lighting the path for more visibility of hijabi runners, and also sharing how she fits ultra running in around parenting and career (she gets creative). In this discussion, we talk about why the hijab is a hot topic in sports, how to manage ultra training and life, and confronting racism in the trail running space. Mentioned in this Episode Hebah Hezfy: @hibs82 EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 3 Presenting Sponsor EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Land Use, Land Back, Integrating Humans into Natural Spaces: Sergio Avila | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:51:45 | |
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 diversifying the outdoors. Through his efforts as an Outings Program Coordinator for the Sierra Club and current board member of Alianza Tecuani, as well as his past work on the board of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC), Avila’s advocacy work helps to decolonize our relationship with the land and bring communities of color and others who are marginalized into outdoos spaces. Sergio discusses his running journey, the Land Back Movement, why he refers to himself as a "recovering conservationist," and the culture of outdoor recreation—and he shares the beautiful experiences of caring for Toby the tortoise. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 3 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Sergio Avila: @sergio_concolor Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| New Beginnings, Parenthood, Amplifying Diversity Within Trail Running | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:46:48 | |
We are back! With Season 3 of Earthmovers: the podcast dedicated to trailblazers reclaiming the narrative. Hosts hosts Alison Mariella Désir, Stefanie Flippin, and Verna NezBegay Volker get on the mic for this season opener. To launch this new season of Earthmovers, hosts Alison, Stefanie, and Verna catch up and share what’s been on their minds this summer. From navigating new training blocs to parenthood and discussing diversity within the trail running space, they get into it all this episode; you don't want to miss it! Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| The Intersection of Trail Running, Politics, & White Supremacy | 17 Jul 2026 | 00:45:24 | |
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 context and critique around why and how running is always inherently political, especially trail running, and how the power structure of white supremacy continues to play out in these spaces. In this episode, there is also celebration. Among the highlights, the hosts talk about the accomplishments of former Earthmovers guest Tuvshin Baatar–at 58, he finished the 2026 Western States 100-miler, cheered on by his parents, both in their 90s, who flew over from Mongolia for the event. Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin
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| Representation and Diverse Trail Running Stories: A Look Back on Season 2 | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:46:44 | |
Hear about memorable moments from the season; surprises, learnings, and joys. Alison, Verna, and Stefanie also discuss what they are looking forward to next. Remember, we have merch and a Substack. You can also keep up with us @earthmoverspodcast on Instagram. Thank you to our listeners, supporters, Altra, and everyone who continues to help make this idea into a reality. Changing the narrative is a community effort. We are already seeing the power of sharing these stories, highlighting different perspectives and experiences in outdoor spaces, and making connections to grow community, representation, and support so that everybody feels welcome and safe to show up as their full selves. We are still just getting started! EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast EARTHMOVERS merch: bonfire.com/earthmovers Our Seasons 1 and 2 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Diversifying the Running Industry: Kiera Smalls, RIDC | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:39:37 | |
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 sport and build meaningful careers within the running industry.” It’s the only organization of its kind in the running industry. Alison and Verna are both co-founders of the RIDC. Kiera is also the co-founder of the running community City Fit Girls, which became Strides. Kiera thrives on connecting people and resources, and making meaningful change. In this conversation, Kiera tells about her own journey to meaningful movement and running and how that led to her becoming a leader in the movement space, starting in Philadelphia. The groups she help found became models for other movement communities. Kiera then applied these skills in her professional life, helping companies and organizations expand their reach and audience. Kiera has been guided by her motto: If I can’t be me, it’s not for me. And she's applied this to how she envisions messaging to others. Who is this for? All of her experience made Kiera an ideal candidate to run the RIDC, which just celebrated 5 years. Kiera talks about what the RIDC does, some of its big achievements, and announces some big news about what’s happening next. And she talks about her new guiding mantra to “Do less, but do better.” Through this conversation, discover how Kiera Smalls has developed the ability to make real change happen, how she's turned skills and passion into action, and what those real world changes actually are. It’s also a time for Verna and Alison to look back with Kiera on the ambitious plans they helped set in motion, and celebrate how those plans are manifesting under Kiera’s exceptional leadership. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Being an Ally in Trail Running: Yuri Hauswald, GU | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:58:04 | |
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 carried over into his work at GU: he has placed an emphasis there on sponsoring and providing opportunities to diverse riders and runners. Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Native Perspectives on Ultra Trail Running, Race Directing: Harold Bennally | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:58:12 | |
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 in several 100 milers and is currently training for his longest race, the Cocodona 250. Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. | |||
| Inclusivity, Mental Health as a Latina Trail Runner: Cristina Regalado | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:50:27 | |
Christina Regalado is an ultra trail runner, physician's assistant, daughter of El Salvadoran and Mexican immigrants, and the co-founder of Wasatch Trails Collective, a local trail running group for BIPOC runners in Utah. Wasatch Trails Collective's mission is to create an inclusive and supportive community for runners of color along the Wasatch Front, empowering runners of all levels to achieve their personal goals, improving diversity and equity in the broader running community, and reducing barriers that limit participation and representation of people of color in endurance sports. Christina has also served on the board of directors for Women of the Wasatch, a women's nonprofit group in Utah, and has worked with Bigger Than the Trail (BTTT) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness to help fundraise and advocate for mental health care. And, Cristina was recently awarded a GU Energy sponsorship to run the 2026 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Race (WSER). In this conversation Cristina talks about being the daughter of immigrants, as well as her work in healthcare and being one of the few Spanish-speaking and Latina women in her position. She also discusses mental health challenges she and others in her family have faced, and how being out on the trails has been a powerful tool in her own health journey—being out on the trails is a space where Cristina can bring her full self, however that may look on any given day. Also discussed: Cristina's work within the trail community, including becoming a co-founder of the Wasatch Trails Collective and what that organization is all about. Stefanie also dives into Cristina's own trail running journey, including being chosen to run at this year's WSER as a GU sponsored athlete. Also, Cristina is running WSER as a fundraiser for BTTT (see link below to donate). And both Stefanie and Cristina read the powerful words that Cristina has written about what trail running means to her and the impact it's had on her life. This is a deep and insightful conversation. Cristina has a beautiful way of expressing her passion for the trails and also why she's so passionate about opening the trail space to those who have felt excluded. A note of caution: this conversation touches on the topic of suicide and suicidal thoughts. Please see below for links on where to find help if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode EARTHMOVERS Hosts Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Culture Shifting, Addressing Racism and Misogyny: Phoebe Robinson | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:46:08 | |
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 comedian, best-selling author, producer, actress, and publisher. Her second standup special, "I Don't Wanna Work Anymore" premiered October 7, 2025 exclusively on YouTube. Phoebe is the author of the essay collections You Can’t Touch My Hair, Everything’s Trash, But It’s Okay, and Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes, and, in 2020, she launched her own imprint, Tiny Reparations Books. Robinson is also the co-creator and co-star of the podcast “2 Dope Queens” and HBO series of the same name. Other onscreen work includes the TV adaptation of “Everything’s Trash” and the standup special “Sorry, Harriet Tubman,” both of which are produced by her company, Tiny Reparations. She is the recipient of Variety’s Comedy Innovator Award for her work and continued contribution in comedy. In this conversation, cohost Alison Mariella Désir talks to Phoebe about becoming a comedian, her hilarious and poignant ThotNaysh Instagram video series, running marathons, her publishing imprint Tiny Reparations Books, being Bono’s best Black friend, and so much more! You will want to listen to this one more than once! Phoebe drops so much insight and wisdom, and also leaves you laughing. We were left energized and inspired to keep learning and speaking out. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Phoebe Robinson on Instagram: @dopequeenpheebs Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Bringing Native Communities into Trail Running: Brandon Dugi | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:46:13 | |
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 about how sharing his story and representing for his culture and for younger members of his community is important to him. In addition to being a runner and storytelling photographer, Brandon is a high school running coach at Page High School in Page, Arizona, his alma mater. Page has a long reputation for having a strong running program. Brandon and Verna also discuss the Western States 100-mile Endurance Race (WSER). Brandon shares that he had spent years learning the course and helping other runners at WSER, with the ultimate goal being to run it himself. That happened last year, 2025, and Brandon talks about that experience, too, including how he was able to bring many members of the Page High School running team with him to experience the race. Looking ahead, Brandon shares what he’s focused on in the immediate future as well as some of his long-term dreams and goals. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Expanding Access for Latina Women in Trail Running: Priscilla Rojas | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:51:04 | |
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 Series, and she was part of the inaugural Broken Arrow Skyrace advisory council 2024–2025, and remains on the council to this day. This dynamic conversation gets into Rojas’s work in STEM and how she is working toward being a role model in that position. She also discusses the formation of Santa Mujeres, the core values of the organization, and the reasons behind becoming a nonprofit. Stefanie and Verna also talk to Priscilla about her work as a race ambassador and they get the bold story behind Priscilla being on the Broken Arrow Sky Race advisory board. Also, Priscilla was awarded as the San Diego USATF Trail Runner of the Year, and she discusses that, too. Priscilla is running, representing, and leading in so many ways, and she drops a lot of wisdom, values, and vision here. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Diverse Voices in Trail Running Media: Schuyler Hall | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:49:00 | |
Yes, Schuyler Hall does a lot! Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Building Inclusive Trail Races: Katy Farrell, Rainshadow Running | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:50:38 | |
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 to them having a passion for overseeing ultra races in wild spaces and building community beyond the event space. They also discuss the life and work experiences that have informed their approach to putting on trail events. Katy and Alison cover how Rainshadow operationalizes its values: the company walks the walk when it comes to creating a well considered safe, welcoming space for the full spectrum of communities it serves and embraces. Katy talks about the intentional steps to make that happen: it’s an ever evolving process. Central to this conversation: what are we talking about when we talk about community? How far does it extend and who does it serve? And, looking ahead, the interest in making space for yet unknown futures that embrace systems of matriarchy and racial equity. Katy drops a lot of gems here. Tune in. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Making Trail Running More Inclusive: We Are Back! | 12 Feb 2026 | 00:43:40 | |
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 and her community. And it brings up discussion around how running is political, and Alison questions how races will respond to runners' concerns and fears about ICE presence around events. Stefanie talks about her work with GU Energy Labs on the board of the diversity initiative that selects two runners from historically excluded and underrepresented communities to receive support and entry into the prestigious 100-mile Western States Endurance Run. And she talks about when she discovered her Japanese heritage and how that's led her to research the WWII US Japanese internment camps and subsequent discriminatory practices against US citizens of Japanese descent after the war ended. Alison announces the return of her Cascade PBS TV show Out & Back with Alison Mariella Désir, as well as the return of the We Out Here Trail Fest in June in Seattle, which she co-directs. She also announces that EARTHMOVERS is now on Substack! Subscribers receive weekly posts, including the signature EARTHMOVER of the Month post, and podcast updates. Free subscribers will get the EARTHMOVER of the Months posts and podcast updates. Go to earthmoverspodcast.substack.com. We are also thrilled to share that Altra has returned as this season's presenting sponsor. We are thankful and love representing this brand. EARTHMOVERS is a trail podcast reclaiming the narrative. We are still just getting started. We are also thrilled to share that Altra has returned as this season's presenting sponsor. We are thankful and love representing this brand. EARTHMOVERS is a trail podcast reclaiming the narrative. We are still just getting started. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Bonus: Runner’s Round Table with Stephanie Diaz, ft. Alison Mariella Désir | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:53:53 | |
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 while being curious about how to make running more inclusive, accepting, and welcoming. Each season Stephanie focuses on a different theme: the theme of the episode featured here is "Conversations with Runners," and the theme of her next season, Season 6, is "Beyond Pace" where female runners will discuss their favorite running memories. The episode we’re featuring here is a conversation EARTHMOVERS cohost Alison Mariella Désir had with Stephanie back in 2024, where they talked about the running culture, Alison's book Running While Black, why Alison's so passionate about focusing on the intersection of racial equity work, movement, and mental health, and why it’s important to look beyond the marketing and media noise in the running world and choose what’s right for you. From Runner's Round Table: Welcome to the Runner’s Round Table podcast. Season is “Conversations with Runners”, and each episode features a conversation with an inspiring female runner who is making the running community better in her own way. In this episode, Stephanie talks to Alison Mariella Désir about the weaving of histories through her book Running While Black” and how she uses movement as a path towards disrupting the status quo in running to create a future where all are visible and feel like they belong. Enjoy this episode and thanks for listening. About Stephanie: Stephanie is an RRCA (Road Runner’s Club of America) and McMillan Running certified running coach with over 10 years of running experience. Additionally, Stephanie is a yoga teacher with advancedcertifications in yoga for athletes, Yoga For All, and Empowered Wisdom Yoga Nidra. Stephanie believes that to be a runner is to believe in your possibility as a human through movement. Her favorite running distance is the half marathon (13.1 miles/21 kilometers). About Alison Mariella Désir: Alison Mariella Désir is multi-talented: a founder, a doer, an activist, a connector, a visionary and an unapologetically straightforward communicator with a passion for movement, mental health, and racial equity. Alison got her start in the running and outdoor industry unintentionally, after seeing a black friend train and complete a marathon. inspired, alison went on to run her first marathon and discovered that she had found a powerful tool to manage her depression. she’s been working to share the transformational power of running and movement ever since. Resources Stephanie Diaz on Instagram: @thecookierunner | |||
| Advocating for All Paces, All Bodies in Running: Martinus Evans | 21 Nov 2025 | 00:38:41 | |
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 person, and how he’s navigating being a new dad, and a lot more. It’s an inspiring, uplifting conversation, with some laughs along the way. A huge thank you to our presenting sponsor Altra for making this conversation possible for us. And a huge thank you to New York Road Runners for making us a part of this incredible marathon weekend. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: https: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 1 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com This event was hosted by the New York Road Runners. Find them at www.nyrr.org From this Episode Martinus Evans on Instagram: @martinusevans Slow AF Run Club on Instagram: @slowafrunclub Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Amplifying Diverse Voices in Trail Running: Reflecting on Season 1 | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:48:19 | |
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, they do talk about their pets! Also announced: EARTHMOVERS will be live at the NYC Marathon Expo, Jacob Javits Center, on the Main Stage, Sat., Nov. 1, 1pm, featuring special guest Martinus Evans, resilience speaker, marathoner, and author of Slow AF Run Club. Entry is free! Please join us. This conversation will be published as a special EARTHMOVERS episode. And, coming soon! There will be MERCH! EARTHMOVERS merch was on special offer to Kickstarter contributors, and soon it will be available for purchase by you—a perfect holiday gift! Stay tuned to @earthmoverspodcast on Instagram for all updates! Thank you to our listeners, supporters, Kickstarter contributors, Altra, and everyone who’s helped make this idea into a reality. We ALL did this! We are already seeing the power of sharing these stories, highlighting different perspectives and experiences in outdoor spaces, and making connections to grow community, representation, and support so that everybody feels welcome and safe to show up as their full selves. We are just getting started! EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthmoverspodcast/ Our Season 1 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Ultrarunning for Social Impact, Across Africa and Europe: Deo Kato | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:44:36 | |
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 being the first person to run from Cape Town to London. This trek began on July 24, 2023: it took Deo 518 days and he covered 8,230 miles. Previous to this huge undertaking, Deo created the 381 Days Running For Justice movement. Starting June 6, 2020, Deo set out to run 10km every day for 381 days to protest against racial injustice and inequality in society. The 381 days honors those of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955-56 Alabama, USA, and the change they created on the policy of racial segregation. This initiative also encompassed Deo running from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, carrying a customized U.S. flag where each star represented a black person who had been killed by police. Deo also ran a double London Marathon to protest against police brutality in the UK, known as the Unarmed Campaign. Additionally, Deo is the Spirit of the London Marathon Award winner. In this beautiful conversation, Deo shares with Alison and Stefanie his running background, how he conceived of and prepared for his incredible journey, what he encountered along the way, and the powerful takeaways that have settled with him since completing his journey. This is an absolute not to miss episode! As they always do, co-hosts Alison and Stefanie bring their vast experience as runners and racial equity advocates to this conversation, along with their deep respect and curiosity about Deo's astonishing journey. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthmoverspodcast/ Our Season 1 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com From this Episode Deo Kato on Instagram: @deoruns EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Welcoming Immigrant Communities to Trail Running: Zagdaa and Tuvshin Baatar | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:55:53 | |
"You cannot act in a different way in the mountains," says Zagdaa. "You have to be yourself." The Bataars started organizing group hikes and set to learning how to lead others up big mountains, and the Nomadic Adventure Club was born. That was over a decade ago. The organization is now a 501c3 nonprofit organization and has become a source of support and community, especially for immigrant families, focused on trail running and mountain climbing. The Bataars themselves have become accomplished trail runners and racers, and Zagdaa sits on the Advisory Council of the Broken Arrow Sky Race; the couple also volunteers a lot of their time to trail races and the trail community. In addition to all of that, the Bataars are wine makers, and proud parents. In this conversation, Stefanie and the Bataars talk about the Bataars growing up in Mongolia, the challenges and joys of moving to the US and raising their children, getting back into the mountains and trail racing, and their deep passion for building community and getting others into nature. They also talk about their wine making venture, which has community ties as well. Here, Stefanie brings her own experience as a coach—in particular, she has coached Zagdaa for several years—as well as her experience as a professional ultra runner and racial equity advocate. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: https: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 1 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com From this Episode Zagaa Baatar on Instagram: @zagd_nomad Tuvshin Baatar on Instagram: @tuvshin_nomad Nomadic Adventure Club on Instagram: @nomadic.adventure.club Nomadic Adventure Club website: nomadicadventure.club Broken Arrow Skyrace on Instagram: @brokenarrowskyrace Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Building Representation for Asian Women Trail Runners: Ellie Windham | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:46:55 | |
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 touches on Ellie's experiences navigating and claiming her own identity as a Korean woman who was adopted from her home country and raised by a white family in a predominantly white community in Pennsylvania. Ellie also talks about her evolution from solo runner to group run leader, with a passion for helping newer runners find joy and reach goals they'd previously thought they couldn't reach. Ellie tests her own limits in ultra running: she is currently wrapping up training for the Javelina Jundred 100-mile race: this will be Ellie's third attempt at this distance. She talks about how she's adjusted her training so that she can overcome the difficulties that held in back from completing previous 100 milers. Additionally, Ellie is a first time producer and director, with Christine Rivera: they created the short documentary Girls Run Ultras. Ellie and Verna talk about how Ellie developed this new skill and passion for telling stories through film and video and how this documentary came to life. Girls Run Ultras screened at the 2024 Trail Running Film Festival. As always, Verna brings her experience as a community leader and organization founder, as well as her experience as an ultra runner and racial equity advocate. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @EARTHMOVERSpodcast Our Season 1 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at ALTRArunning.com From this Episode Ellie Windham on Instagram: @elliewindham Asian Women Stay Running (AWSTARS) on Instagram: @awstars_nyc EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Advocating For All Mothers: Olympic Medalist Alysia Montaño | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:55:55 | |
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 ground-breaking advocate for mothers and women, especially women of color. She has experienced racism and misogyny, and cheating in competition. Throughout, Alysia has followed her heart and held firm to remaining vocal and taking brave steps toward advocating for herself, which has changed the game for everyone—both inside sport and far beyond. Famously, Alysia ran the 800-meter event at the 2014 national championships when she was 8 months pregnant. Then in 2019, in the New York Times OpEd piece "Nike Told Me to Dream Crazy, Until I Wanted a Baby," Alysia exposed the default punitive practices against women who wanted to have children during their professional athletic careers. This resonated beyond track and field, and beyond sport. It changed the way contracts for child-bearing people are now written. Alysia and Alison also discuss how Alysia has persisted in pursuing doping cases that impact her professional athletic legacy. Alysia has retroactively been awarded an Olympic bronze medal from the 2012 London Games, and two bronze world championship medals, from 2010 and 2013. She discusses receiving her world championship medals in a lackluster setting and how that won't be the case when she finally receives her Olympic medal—that will happen at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Alison brings her vast experience as an equity advocate and public speaker, and as an athlete and friend to this inspirational, insightful conversation. There's so much wisdom and empowerment dropped here. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcast Our Season 1 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at https://www.altrarunning.com/ From this Episode Alysia Montaño on Instagram: @alysiamontano For All Mothers (FAM+) on Instagram: @forallmothersorg Women of Color Take the Lead Retreat on Instagram: @woctakethelead "Nike Told Me to Dream Crazy, Until I Wanted a Baby": nytimes.com/2019/05/12/opinion/nike-maternity-leave ICARUS documentary, on Netflix: netflix.com/title/80168079 Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Building An Inclusive Trail Running Community, Latinx Leadership: Yolanda López Haugabook | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:42:59 | |
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 to co-found Sin Miedo with her husband, Antoine, not long after. Sin Miedo, which means without fear, is a fast-growing trail running community, founded by people of color, centering people of color, with the aim to uplift cultura, courage, and connection in the outdoors. In this conversation, Yolanda talks about her own running journey, the origins of Sin Miedo, and the joys and challenges of creating a trail running group that is focused on runners of color. She also highlights the support she and Antoine are getting from the Freedom to Run: Back Outside program, created by the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC). Verna and Alison are RIDC co-founders. Verna and Alison bring their shared experience, as community leaders and organization founders, as well as runners and racial equity advocates. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @EARTHMOVERSpodcast Our Season 1 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at ALTRArunning.com From this Episode Yolanda López Haugabook on Instagram: @yofitruns Yolanda López Haugabook, business, on Instagram: @yofitofficial Sin Miedo Trail Runners on Instagram: @sinmiedotrailrunners EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Native Women Experiences Running the Cocodona 250: Missy Hendricks, Wynonna Fulgham | 11 Sep 2025 | 01:06:34 | |
Both Missy and Wynonna, who are themselves native as well–Mescalero Apache and Navajo, respectively–were introduced to ultra trail running through NWR. Previous to Cocodona, the furthest they’d ever run was 100 miles. Verna talks to these runners about their running history and what inspired them to want to take on this huge challenge. They also discuss how they prepared for this event and what running on trails means to them, as native women, including how being on the trails is healing and a way to connect with the land and ancestors. And of course, Missy and Wynonna discuss completing this tremendous feat. They cover the joy and challenges they experienced, all the way through to the emotional finish. Verna brings her shared ultra experience, fresh off finishing her first 100-miler in August 2025, as well as her shared cultural connections to the trails and long trail journeys. And, as the woman who founded the organization that inspired Missy and Wynonna to take up ultra trail running, this conversation is also a recognition of the importance of creating these spaces for her community. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @EARTHMOVERSpodcast Our Season 1 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at ALTRArunning.com From this Episode Wynonna Fulgham on Instagram: @blacksheep_running Missy Hendricks on Instagram: @ellicul_lucy Native Women Run: @native_women_run Cocodona 250: @cocodona250 EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Indigenous Perspectives on Healing through Shared Miles: Verna's First 100 Miler | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:49:33 | |
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. Several years ago, Verna attempted this distance and over 90 miles before having to end her bid. She vowed then that she had no interest in going after 100 miles ever again. But then Verna changed her mind. Verna had the opportunity to run the Redwoods 100-mile Challenge, put on by Milestone Events, and she took it. This sounded like just the set-up that would facilitate her being able to accomplish this tremendous goal. She was right. Also key to Verna's success was teaming up with Sky Tulley, who was also going after his first 100-mile finish: the two ran most of their miles together. Though they'd never met before, both Verna and Sky are Navajo and grew up on the reservation. Verna talks about how this shared bond helped get them through the tough miles. She also shares some of the funnier times, experiencing hallucinations and how laughter helped get them through to the end. Both Stefanie and Verna also get into why representation matters and the ways in which this 100-mile event allowed Verna to show up as her full self and support her goals. Find EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @EARTHMOVERSpodcast Our Season 1 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Milestone Events: @officialmilestoneevents EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Building Inclusion, Addressing Racism in Ultratrail Running: Dora Atim | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:38:02 | |
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 trails, running ultras. She also gets into how the running group she founded, Ultra Black Running, came to be, and why she's so passionate about carving out space on the trails for other Black women and nonbinary runners. Find EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @EARTHMOVERSpodcast Our Season 1 Presenting Sponsor From this Episode Dora Atim on Instagram: @doradontexplore EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Breaking Barriers, through Music and Trail Running: Miki Sawada | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:48:12 | |
Miki Sawada is an ultra trail runner and professional pianist who focuses on bringing classical music to community spaces through her nonprofit Gather Hear. Sawada is Japanese, and she’s been living in the US for the past two decades. She calls the Boston area home. Sawada was chosen as one of the two recipients for the 2025 GU Energy Labs’s Diversity Initiative. In this episode, Sawada talks to EARTHMOVERS host Stefanie Flippin, who is also her coach. In addition, Flippin is a sponsored athlete with GU and helps oversee the Diversity Initiative Sawada was chosen for. Sawada discusses her upbringing and the different cultures she’s grown up in, and what led her to becoming a professional musician. Sawada also gets into her experiences on the trail: why she runs in outdoor spaces and why she applied to be a part of the Diversity Initiative through GU. For Sawada, inclusivity work is core to her drive–in the world of classical music and now in trail running. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @EARTHMOVERSpodcast Our Season 1 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at ALTRArunning.com From this Episode Miki Sawada on Instagram: @mikipony Gather Hear: gatherhear.com EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||
| Building Diversity in Trail Running: Everybody Outside! | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:45:43 | |
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 outdoor and life adventures, including Alison’s second summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and putting on her first trail race, the We Out Here Trail Festival. Stefanie shares about her busy coaching season and about her own training, which has included documenting her local trail system, while setting FKTs along the way. She also talks about being at We Out There and the panel discussion that took place the night before the race. You can find that conversation on the Making Strides podcast (find link below). Verna shares about her recent trip home to the Southwest, where she hosted Georgia Weir and her husband, both native runners from Australia–Georgia founded the organization Deadly Runner, to amplify and support indigenous runners in Australia. Verna also discusses training for her 100-mile trail race, as well as the last time she attempted this distance–at Dark Anchor, put on by Yeti Trail Runners. Also discussed: the origin of the EARTHMOVERS name, some of the reasons behind starting this podcast, and what everyone is looking forward to for this first season of EARTHMOVERS. EARTHMOVERS is a trail podcast reclaiming the narrative. We are just getting started. Find EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @EARTHMOVERSpodcast Our Season 1 Presenting Sponsor Mentioned in this Episode Making Strides live panel discussion from We Out Here, on Apple and Spotify Yeti Trail Runners: yetitrailrunners.com Georgia Weir: @georgiaweir83 Deadly Runners: deadlyrunner.com.au EARTHMOVERS Hosts Verna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4 Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesir Stefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin | |||