EARTHMOVERS

Alison Mariella Désir, Verna NezBegay Volker, Stefanie Flippin
  • 5.0 (15)
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  • Weekly

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, inspirational—and groundbreaking. With EARTHMOVERS, expand your understanding of the outdoor trail experience. Hosts Désir, Flippin, and Volker are adventurers and runners, leading equity advocates and friends. Special guests are athletes, industry insiders, and community builders. They all share a passion for getting on the trails and know the life-changing power of experiencing the outdoors.

  1. 4d ago

    Building 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 Désir in conversation with Nell Rojas.  Nell Rojas is a professional distance runner sponsored by Altra, and she is the founder of the coaching business RISE Running.  Nell grew up in a running family: her father, Ric Rojas, was a competitive runner and is a career running coach. Nell’s own running career began in college, at Northern Arizona, where she studied exercise science. After college, Nell became a professional triathlete and then turned her focus to distance running and the marathon.  Nell’s coaching experience goes back to high school, when she started working with her father. Nell started coaching with her father when she graduated from high school and she’s been coaching ever since. Nell is coached by her father and they share a notable achievement: they have each won the prestigious BoulderBoulder race—albeit those victories are separated by a few years.  Nell has many accolades as a distance runner, including placing top American twice at the Boston Marathon, placing in the top 10 at the New York City Marathon, and winning the Grandma's Marathon. Nell was also the 2021 10-mile US national champion. Nell has also experienced significant challenges: she was diagnosed with and started treatment for Lyme Disease last year, after a long search for answers to increasingly severe health concerns.  Throughout, Nell has advocated for inclusivity, with a focus on empowering women of color. In this conversation, Rojas speaks about her work championing inclusivity and empowering women of color and shares her experiences navigating Lyme disease while continuing to train and explore elite level competitive goals.  Mentioned in this Episode  Nell Rojas on Instagram: @nell_rojas_runningRISE Running: rojasrunning.com EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcastEARTHMOVERS on Substack: earthmoverspodcast.substack.com Our Season 3 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

    Building Inclusivity and Navigating Chronic Illness: Nell Rojas at Take the Lead

  2. Oct 22

    Amplifying 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 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: @earthmoverspodcastEARTHMOVERS on Substack: earthmoverspodcast.substack.com Our Season 3 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com Mentioned in this Episode Faith Briggs Rose on Instagram: @faithbeeroseThis Land: https://vimeo.com/394088858 Boyz N The Wood: Resilience in the Redwoods: redfordcenter.org/news/introducing-a-new-film-series-announcing-the-nature-connection-pitch-winner-and-moreWho Is a Runner: https://camp4collective.com/films/who-is-a-runner-series/The Trail Ahead: trailaheadpodcast.comHike Clerb: @hikeclerbInstagram post for Grey: instagram.comPema Chodron: pemachodronfoundation.org/product/getting-unstuck-audio-downloadKrista Tippett: aspenideas.org/podcasts/hope-is-a-muscle-jason-reynolds-and-krista-tippett Books mentioned in episode What If We Get It Right?, by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson Fibershed, by Rebecca Burgess The Dreamt Land, by Mark Arax Worn, by Sofi Thanhauser The Serviceberry, by Robin Wall Kimmerer 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

    Amplifying the Unheard—Filmmaking as a Tool of Resistance: Faith Briggs Rose

  3. Oct 15

    Trail 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 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: @earthmoverspodcastEARTHMOVERS on Substack: earthmoverspodcast.substack.com Our Season 3 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com Mentioned in this Episode Chris Z on Instagram: @chrisxwillpower Chris Z on Substack: dasz.substack.com Willpower: willpower-running.comRunhundred: runhundred.run 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

  4. Oct 8

    What 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? 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: @earthmoverspodcastEARTHMOVERS on Substack: earthmoverspodcast.substack.com Our Season 2 Presenting SponsorThank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com Mentioned in this Episode Jess Mena on Instagram: @tempo_with_jessSoCalTrail Website: socaltrail.events EARTHMOVERS HostsVerna 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

  5. Oct 1

    40 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 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: @earthmoverspodcastEARTHMOVERS on Substack: earthmoverspodcast.substack.com Our Season 3 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com Mentioned in this Episode Jade Stevens on Instagram: @msjadesaid 40 Acre Conservation League: 40acreleague.orgGateway Park on Instagram: @gatewayparkcalifornia 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

    40 Acres and a Mule, Land Conservation, Social Equity: Jade Stevens

  6. Sep 24

    Trail 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 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: @earthmoverspodcastEARTHMOVERS on Substack: earthmoverspodcast.substack.com Our Season 3 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

    Trail Running in Hijab, Fitting Ultras Into Parenting & Career: Hibah Hefzy

  7. Sep 17

    Land 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 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. From interrogating how we can respect the land by integrating Indigenous ways of knowing to expanding the inclusion of outdoor outings for people of color and those with less access to designated nature parks, this episode dismantles preconceptions that the outdoor recreation space is just for those who are part of "outdoor culture."  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: @earthmoverspodcastEARTHMOVERS on Substack: earthmoverspodcast.substack.com Our Season 3 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com Mentioned in this Episode  Sergio Avila: @sergio_concolor Toby the Turtle: @tobydetucsonSierra Club: sierraclub.orgRunning Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC): runningdiversity.comAlianza Tecuani, Instagram: @AlianzaIndigenaSinFronteras Alianza Tecuani, information: givenative.org/organization/AlianzaTecuaniEARTHMOVERS 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

  8. Sep 10

    New 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, 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!EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: @earthmoverspodcastEARTHMOVERS on Substack: earthmoverspodcast.substack.com Our Season 2 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.com Mentioned in this Episode Every Child Matters, Orange Shirt Day, Sept. 30: for more information: orangeshirtday.org Remembrance Run: remainingnativedocumentary.com/rr26 Remaining Native Documentary: remainingnativedocumentary.com Kutoven Stevens, Instagram: @ku_stevens Here For The Women Of Color T-shirt campaign: bonfire.com/here-for-the-women-of-color Good People by Pateemna Sabit: penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777077/good-people-by-patmeena-sabit Black Voters Matter, co-founded by LaTosha Brown and Cliff Albright: blackvotersmatterfund.org LaTosha Brown on The Jamal Bryant Podcast “Let’s Be Clear” on YouTube Trail Mix Fund: trailmixfund.orgEARTHMOVERS 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

    New Beginnings, Parenthood, Amplifying Diversity Within Trail Running
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5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

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, inspirational—and groundbreaking. With EARTHMOVERS, expand your understanding of the outdoor trail experience. Hosts Désir, Flippin, and Volker are adventurers and runners, leading equity advocates and friends. Special guests are athletes, industry insiders, and community builders. They all share a passion for getting on the trails and know the life-changing power of experiencing the outdoors.

Information

  • Creator
    Alison Mariella Désir, Verna NezBegay Volker, Stefanie Flippin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 EARTHMOVERS podcast
  • Show Website
    EARTHMOVERS

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