Joy Outside

About Joy Outside

A podcast sharing stories from our community, centering the experiences and wisdom of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the outdoors and environmental movement

Publisher

Justice Outside

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Aug 2023

Latest episode

4 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Sept 2026

   When you trust your path with Alex Roth-Dunn

   Alex is a youth educator, community organizer and land steward that was born and raised on unceded Shawnee and Cherokee land also known as Louisville, Kentucky. Being the direct descendants of enslaved people, Alex grew up hearing stories shared by his Gana about his Great Granddaddy’s connection to the land, both forcibly and voluntarily. Now as a Youth Development Program Manager on Muwekma Land/Berkeley and the Founder of Black Trans Masc Collective on Huichin Land/ Oakland, Alex is cultivating ways to break down barriers for marginalized people in every facet of his life to bring collective joy and meaningful connection to all who cross his path.

2. 

   29 May 2026

   Leave Anyway — Redefining Who Belongs on Public Lands With Sally Steele

   We are excited to welcome Sally Steele from Outdoorithm to Joy Outside. Sally is what happens when acquired knowledge meets brilliance, compassion, and deep intention. Her vocation extends beyond education and into the sacred work of community-to-nature-to-person connection. Working at the intersection of nature and spirituality, Sally centers regenerative healing practices that honor both the Earth and the body. In this episode, we unpack the often unseen forces that shape our relationship with the outdoors, who feels invited in, who feels excluded, and why. From the loss of intergenerational connections to land, to the rise of commercialization in outdoor recreation, to camping systems that increasingly privilege those with time, resources, and digital access, this conversation challenges dominant ideas of accessibility and belonging. Sally Steele is a tech founder, nonprofit leader, and ordained minister working at the intersection of community, nature, and spirituality. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Outdoorithm, a tech platform that democratizes access to public lands, and its sister nonprofit, Outdoorithm Collective, which helps families flourish in nature through community and immersive experiences. Sally is an REI Path Ahead Ventures Embark Program alum and a Louisville Institute grantee exploring the connection between nature and spirituality. Previously, she served as Co-Executive Director of City Hope in San Francisco. Sally lives in Oakland with her husband and four daughters.

3. 

   1 May 2026

   Immigration Justice is Environmental Justice

   We’re excited to welcome Mayra Pelagio & Nanci Torres to the podcast Mayra Pelagio is the founder of Ignite Community Connections, where she works as a consultant, coach, and yoga instructor dedicated to strengthening connections to self, community, and nature. Through organizational consulting, leadership coaching, and embodied practices, she supports individuals and teams in living and leading with greater alignment, connection, and purpose. Her work centers on purposeful living, collective well-being, and equitable collaboration, helping people reconnect to what matters most and move forward with intention. Nanci is a rising sustainability professional who loves to spend time outdoors. Before entering the sustainability field, Nanci worked in the non-profit sector, conducting environmental education, and spent two years working as an environmental science educator in Yosemite National Park. During her time, she had the opportunity to work on the Zero Landfill Initiative project, exposing her to the idea of sustainability. Nanci joined TreePeople, a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles County, as the Waste Management Youth Leadership coordinator. In this role, she supported middle and high schools across the county in adopting waste management systems, integrating community gardens, and raising awareness of sustainability issues. Together, they remind us that building a more sustainable and equitable world begins with how we connect to each other, and the environment. Tune in to hear their stories, insights, and what it really takes to move with purpose.

4. 

   27 Feb 2026

   This Muslim Girl Goes Outside Ft. Noor Qwfan

   Born in Yemen and raised in the Central Valley of California, Noor Qwfan works in corporate social responsibility and is the creator of Noor's Nook (@noors_nook), an expressive outlet for her creative tendencies. She is also the creator and host of the Muslim Girl Podcast (@thismuslimgirlpodcast), a platform started in 2017 to amplify the voices of Muslim women and their experiences. In addition to her professional endeavors, Noor sits on the board of directors for the American Red Cross and currently serves as the chair of the philanthropy committee. In her spare time, Noor loves to travel and explore, hike in the great outdoors, and spend quality time with loved ones.

5. 

   23 Jan 2026

   Sanjana Sekhar got us HEATED

   Sanjana Sekhar is a South Indian-American author, narrative strategist, political educator, and filmmaker. With an eye to strategic communication and systems-thinking storytelling, her work crafts "thrutopian" stories aimed at making climate action the hottest place to be. Lensed with climate justice, pleasure politics, and futurism, Sanjana's focus is on reclaiming and healing extractive narratives to instead build a healthy human future on Earth. She’s been featured in the Hollywood Climate Summit, Tedx Climate AcrosstheAmericas, and the Webby Honorees, and she’s worked with organizations such as the Center for Cultural Power, Visit California, and The Washington Post.

6. 

   26 Nov 2025

   Environmental Justice, Public Lands & The Flint Water Crises with Jeremy Orr

   Tune into another episode of Joy Outside with Justice Outside's Communications and Advocacy Coordinator Rachida Mahamed, and Director of Movement Building & Advocacy, Sierra Mathias! Jeremy Orr serves as the director of litigation and advocacy partnerships at Earthjustice. In this role, he helps Earthjustice’s offices, programs, and departments build strategies to deeply engage and genuinely partner with communities and other stakeholders. Prior to joining Earthjustice, Jeremy served as a senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council where he focused on drinking water and source water protection issues, working to ensure that all people have access to safe, sufficient, and affordable drinking water.

7. 

   17 Oct 2025

   Reclaiming Community with Evelynn Escobar

   Joining us this week for another episode of Joy Outside is Evelynn Escobar (@evelynnworld) From the founding of @hikeclerb to centering your community, Evelynn takes us on a journey of self-discovery and purpose-driven work. You don’t want to miss it! 🌱

8. 

   22 Aug 2025

   The unoriginal Eeland Stribling

   Joining us this week is Comedian, Flyfisher, and Wildlife Biologist Eeland Stribling! Get ready for an episode filled with laughter and healing! Tune in to hear Eeland share his unique perspective on the outdoors, comedy, and everything in between. You won't want to miss it

9. 

   18 Jul 2025

   Here's why everyone should care about The EXPLORE Act

   Kicking of the second season of Joy Outside is special guest Tykee James. Based in Denver, Colorado, Tykee is an avid birdwatcher and environmental justice advocate. Tune in to hear about his love for the outdoors, misconceptions about bird watching, the EXPLORE Act, and one of the most controversial hot takes we’ve ever heard!

10. 

    12 Sept 2024

    Supporting Black, Indigenous, and Leadership of Color in Environmental Nonprofits

    We speak with LaTresse Snead, founder and CEO of Bonsai Leadership Group (https://www.bonsaileadershipgroup.com/). She shares her insight into how environmental nonprofits can support and retain Black, Indigenous, and Leadership of Color, and speaks to her work empowering young Black, Indigenous, and environmental practitioners of color in the sector. LaTresse mentioned Dr. Tiara Moore (https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftiaramoore.com%2F&e=AT1hrbi24-oASbY70XMDnlvhSvmNOK02gOYBj29pbqV2vPpBAFSnCY_m9Hueb323FyBbUPH6zo0pcoe3bT97or0RWnQmxzCgJtwSwxgJPqMuUsVA0bxKkA) of Black in Marine Science (https://www.blackinmarinescience.org/) and Imani Black (https://www.instagram.com/imaniiiblackkk/) of Minorities in Aquaculture (https://www.mianpo.org/) Check out LaTresse’s book, When Black Women Rise (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/179491382-when-black-women-rise), here! Theme music by Joseph Powers Design assets prepared by LQL Photo + Design (https://www.lqlphotodesign.com/)

11. 

    30 Jul 2024

    Working towards Racial Justice and Equity in the Outdoors and Environmental Sector

    Jess Rivas, our Rising Leaders Manager, shares her journey from the streets of LA's 818 to advocating for racial equity in the outdoors. Jess discusses her evolving relationship with nature and insights on creating justice in environmental sectors. Jess references important work on White Supremacy Culture: Tema Okun's article and website can be found here (https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/), and the Dismantling Racism Works Web Workbook inspired by Kenneth Jones and Tema Okun is available here (https://www.dismantlingracism.org/). Discover how we can make the outdoors truly accessible for all. The full episode transcript can be found here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kRxT9LBqlffev-I8AyD-huszF4YaYlSEqN3IubnUq4g/edit). To learn about our Rising Leaders Fellowship, click here (https://justiceoutside.org/grantmaking/liberated-paths/). Theme music by Joseph Powers Design assets prepared by LQL Photo + Design (https://www.lqlphotodesign.com/)

12. 

    25 Apr 2024

    Building Community Access to the Outdoors

    Our Director of Grantmaking, Efraín Chávez-Delgado, discusses building community in and expanding community access to the outdoors as a community member, professional, and parent. The full episode transcript can be found here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AO4aAuidHRVfSIt1HS5Jup1HfFSXdpaJrM_lGuQlsTY/edit). To learn about our Liberated Paths Grantmaking, click here (https://justiceoutside.org/grantmaking/liberated-paths/). The book Efraín referred to is Fresh Banana Leaves by Dr. Jessica Hernandez (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/675699/fresh-banana-leaves-by-jessica-hernandez/). At the time of the recording, Efraín was a Grantmaking and Program Manager. Since then, he has become the Director of Grantmaking. Theme music by Joseph Powers Design assets prepared by LQL Photo + Design (https://www.lqlphotodesign.com/) Audio editing by Cha’vez Gaitan

13. 

    28 Mar 2024

    Being Trauma-Informed in the Outdoors

    Rising Leaders Fellow alum Shirley Calderon interviews Dr. Darlene Hall, founder of Intersections Consulting. Dr. Hall discusses her book “Youth Development Theory and Practice: Integrating a Trauma Framework: A Social Justice Approach”, underscoring the importance of all workers that work with youth in the outdoors being trauma-informed to create truly safe spaces. The full episode transcript can be found here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z5f-LvY1OuiR4iQ8gr1LELUrrMrbju7I5VDhMFmFbuE/edit). To learn about Intersections Consulting, click here (https://intersectionsconsulting.com/). To buy “Youth Development Theory and Practice: Integrating a Trauma Framework: A Social Justice Approach”, click here (https://intersectionsconsulting.com/books-on-trauma-1). Theme music by Joseph Powers Design assets prepared by LQL Photo + Design (https://www.lqlphotodesign.com/) Audio editing by Cha’vez Gaitan

14. 

    28 Feb 2024

    The Power of Black, Indigenous, and Network Leaders of Color

    Mo Henigman, Justice Outside’s Movement Network Coordinator* speaks with Blanca Hernandez, a Network for Network Leader. Blanca discusses the importance of networks and network leaders in her life and for Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color working to expand equitable access to the outdoors. She also shares impactful memories in the outdoors that have shaped her understanding of equity in the environmental sector. The full episode transcript can be found here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zB5eqR8UrBrFOxAqbidqnyXygLpyrm8CzhOKlrMxOvI/edit?usp=sharing). To learn more about YES Nature to Neighborhoods, click here (https://www.yesfamilies.org/). This is the article (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232723979_Creating_Networks_for_Survival_and_Mobility_Social_Capital_Among_African-_American_and_Latin-American_Low-Income_Mothers) “Creating Networks for Survival and Mobility: Social Capital Among African-American and Latin-American Low-Income Mothers” by Silvia Dominguez and Celeste Watkins-Hayes. This is the Social Change Map (https://buildingmovement.org/our-work/movement-building/social-change-ecosystem-map/) by Deepa Iyer. The apps Blanca recommends are AllTrails (https://www.alltrails.com/) and iNaturalist (https://www.inaturalist.org/). To learn about the Network for Network Leadership program, click here (https://justiceoutside.org/programs/network-for-network-leaders/). To learn more about Justice Outside’s work and our programs to increase access to the outdoors for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, click here (https://justiceoutside.org/). Theme music by Joseph Powers Design assets prepared by LQL Photo + Design (https://www.lqlphotodesign.com/) Audio editing by Cha’vez Gaitan *Since the episode was recorded, Mo Heningman no longer works at Justice Outside and we have their permission to release this episode. Thank you Mo!

15. 

    29 Jan 2024

    Belonging and Safety in the Backcountry for Black, Indigenous, and Explorers of Color

    We speak with Amelia Vigil, Liberated Paths: Youth Access to Nature Grant and Program Manager, about their long relationship with the backcountry and outdoors industry, prompting them to want to create safe, accessible, and inclusive spaces for Black, Indigenous, and Youth of Color. They explain the changes they have witnessed and changes they hope to see in the industry. You can find the episode transcript here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ssZ__mL92gKvxirbRdQKsuoDbnA4OaSGxj-kUWFfbNc/edit?usp=sharing). The book Amelia referred to is Spirits of the Earth (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/330084/spirits-of-the-earth-by-robert-lake-thom/) by Bobby Lake-Thom. To learn about the Liberated Paths: Youth Access to Nature Fund, click here (https://justiceoutside.org/grantmaking/youth-access-to-nature-fund/). To learn more about Justice Outside’s work and our programs to increase access to the outdoors for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, click here (https://justiceoutside.org/). Theme music by Joseph Powers Design assets prepared by LQL Photo + Design (https://www.lqlphotodesign.com/) Audio editing by Cha’vez Gaitan

16. 

    20 Nov 2023

    Go Out There and Adventure

    We speak with Laura Hernandez, Outdoor Educators Institute Program Coordinator, about their evolving connection with the outdoors through plant medicine and outdoor education. They discuss the importance of inclusive and safe spaces for young Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to build and explore connections with the outdoors. The full episode transcript can be found here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Wbvs1N8E9kheSoTgGzOBY2gC7sk3c_Ck8sIkHokLyY/edit). To learn about the Outdoor Educators Institute, click here (https://justiceoutside.org/programs/outdoor-educators-institute/). To learn more about Justice Outside’s work and our programs to increase access to the outdoors for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, click here (https://justiceoutside.org/). Theme music by Joseph Powers Design assets prepared by LQL Photo + Design (https://www.lqlphotodesign.com/) Audio editing by Cha’vez Gaitan

17. 

    25 Oct 2023

    It’s Our Time to be Trailblazers

    We speak with Kim Moore Bailey, Justice Outside President and Chief Executive Officer, about her love of the outdoors since childhood. She shares key moments, conversations, and ideas that have guided her to shape Justice Outside into what it is today, as well as tips for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color people working in the field. She reminds us that trails have been blazed before, and there are many of us to continue the work. The full episode transcript can be found here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/108B1HTzYlxrMF68LlLnq-ULRy9rTwRSX8-5QL4MfnlI/edit). The book Kim mentioned is Becoming. The report (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369268086_Examining_Disparities_in_Environmental_Grantmaking_Where_the_Money_Goes#fullTextFileContent) Kim referred to is “Examining Disparities in Environmental Grantmaking: Where the Money Goes” by Dr. Dorceta E. Taylor and Molly Blondell. To learn more about Justice Outside’s work and our programs to increase access to the outdoors for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, click here (https://justiceoutside.org/). Theme music by Joseph Powers Design assets prepared by LQL Photo + Design (https://www.lqlphotodesign.com/) Audio editing by Cha’vez Gaitan

18. 

    20 Sept 2023

    Elevating, Amplifying, and Funding Leadership of Color

    We speak with Rena Payan, Director of Grantmaking, about the radical and restorative grantmaking program she has helped create at Justice Outside. She discusses the historical barriers for Black, Indigenous, and organizations of Color in traditional grantmaking and how an accessible, equitable alternative is possible. She also shares about her personal connection to the outdoors and how she’s nurtured it throughout her life. The full episode transcript can be found here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RdpVH_R0ixW6mpYqW8YQRExw087Szh3omh-OM69HDNE/edit?usp=sharing). To learn more about our Liberated Paths grantmaking, click here (https://justiceoutside.org/grantmaking/liberated-paths/). The phrase Rena referred to, “Nothing about us without us”, stems from the disability justice movement. Learn more here (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nothing-about-us-without-us-mantra-for-a-movement_b_59aea450e4b0c50640cd61cf). To learn more about Justice Outside’s work and our programs to increase access to the outdoors for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, click here (https://justiceoutside.org/). Theme music by Joseph Powers Design assets prepared by LQL Photo + Design (https://www.lqlphotodesign.com/) Audio editing by Cha’vez Gaitan

19. 

    14 Aug 2023

    The Power of Community to Transform the Outdoors Movement

    For our first episode, we speak with Danielle Wolfrum, our Director of Development. She shares how her relationship to the outdoors has evolved and her experience working in environmental non-profits as a Woman of Color. She highlights the importance of community-oriented relationship building and fundraising. The full episode transcript can be found here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A0wzJe7cd4B7zJn0ABqS8rHPDzMXrTTI-lM4pCi_fbc/edit?usp=sharing). To learn more about community-centric fundraising, click here (https://communitycentricfundraising.org/). The line of poetry Noorjahan mentions in the podcast comes from the great Sufi poet Maulana Jalaludin Balkhi's Masnawi Manawi written in Persian in the 13th century. The verse Noorjahan mentions is linked here (https://onbeing.org/poetry/song-of-the-reed/). It's the fourth verse. Though the English translation of the poem uses the pronoun "he" to refer to the subject, in Persian a gender neutral pronoun is used. In the United States, Maulana Jalaludin Balkhi is known as Rumi. The book Danielle mentioned is Seek You: A Journey Through American Loneliness. To learn more about Justice Outside’s work including our grantmaking and our programs to increase access to the outdoors for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, click here (https://justiceoutside.org/). Theme music by Joseph Powers Design assets prepared by LQL Photo + Design (https://www.lqlphotodesign.com/) Audio editing by Cha’vez Gaitan

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings