Carolyn Finney, PhD is a storyteller, author and a cultural geographer who is deeply interested in issues related to identity, difference, creativity, and resilience.The aim of her work is to develop greater cultural competency within environmental organizations and institutions, challenge media outlets on their representation of difference, and increase awareness of how privilege shapes who gets to speak to environmental issues and determine policy and action. She holds a B.A. and M.A. (both...

Terumi Murao is a Japanese-American creative director, model, sustainable wardrobe stylist, and surfer who dedicated much of her time to working with the Laru Beya Surf Collective in Far Rockaway, Queens. She also believes in finding creative new ways to give back to the community through fashion and styling. In this episode, Faith and Terumi talk about their shared New York Energy and Spirits, leveraging power & privilege for community uplift, navigating the fashion industry as...

Molly Sugar is a designer, writer, and cyclist based in Portland, Oregon. She’s the founder of Friends on Bikes and the co-founder of Radical Adventure Riders, both of which are organizations that work toward gender inclusivity and racial equity in cycling communities. In today’s episode, Molly joins us to talk about how she discovered her passion for gravel riding.

Atongular is a mentor at Laru Beya Collective, a surfing focused non-profit organization based in Far Rockaway in Queens, NY. While it's not the first place you think of when thinking of surfing, its a place with a vibrant and connected surf community. Faith first met Atongular while climbing at the Women's Climbing Festival in Bishop, CA in 2018. Getting connected with Atongular is one of the things that made Faith want to surf in the first place. While surfing can be a place where outsiders...

Gabe is a first-generation American who was born and raised in the borderlands. He is the founder of Nuestra Tierra, an organization focused on supporting and creating thriving border communities via outdoor engagement. Gabe has served his community as a Las Cruces City Councilor, as a staff member for U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, and by helping to protect New Mexico’s environment and public lands.

McGrady is a traveling writer and photography and one of the folks behind Authentic Asheville. She is a small space living, vanlifing, burger eating runner who loves creating community and sharing it. As queer Asian women living in the South, an experience intensified with additional levels for Erin as a transracial adoptee, these elements of her identity impact her daily life. She uses her platform to speak out for historically marginalized voice, pass the mic, and increase representation in...

Alex is an Indigenous artist and activist who spends much of his time on the road, often moving between communities to stand in solidarity with their pressing calls to action. He is a member of the Navajo Nation, a vocal advocate in the Land Back movement, and a supporter of Indigenous-owned businesses. His jewelry and pottery convey traditional designs and stories of the Navajo people - serving as a form of resistance.

Laura is a digital educator who specifically speaks on race and equity in the outdoors and the importance of rest and self care. She is multiracial and a transracial adoptee, she is climber and a core member of Brown Girls Climb and an outdoor enthusiast. She also is a DEI strategist and consultant. She is a full time van-lifer and digital nomad. She is also vegan. We met up with Laura while she was living in an artist community in New Mexico. She is also the host of a podcast "Let us Rest."

In this episode of The Trail Ahead, Addie and Faith are joined by Noël Russell. Noël is a writer, van lifer, and dog-mom who works in digital marketing, and so much more. She’s someone whose words deeply resonate with Faith especially when it comes to encouragement and truth.

José González is an experienced and passionate speaker, artist, nature-lover, science communicator, and educator who founded Latino Outdoors. Through his work and the organization, of which he is no longer Executive Director, he aims to build a cross-community network of nature inclusivity groups to connect people of all races, genders, orientations, socio-economic statuses, and religions.

After taking some time off from their first 12 episodes, Addie and Faith are back with a fun but important conversation where you get to know the hosts of The Trail Ahead a little more intimately.