Out & Back with Alison Mariella Désir

Science and Nature Series / 2 Seasons

Hosted by author, activist and runner Alison Mariella Désir, this series covers topics like the running boom, sun down towns, environmental racism, redlining, representation and more. Though these experiences range far and wide, the PNW is full of people and groups who have faced these issues of access and recognition and are actively working to change that.

Watch Latest: S2 E8

8m 51s / TV-G

Creating Brave Space

S2 E8 / 8m 51s / TV-G

Alison joins cyclist Will Cortez, a community activator and cat dad, in Portland for an adventure ride. As they pedal on hidden back roads, gravel paths, and along forgotten train tracks, they discover both a connection with the earth beneath their wheels and to each other, finding joy in the simple act of riding.

Spreading the Stoke

S2 E7 / 8m 23s / TV-PG

On the pristine beaches of the Quinault Reservation, Alison gets her first surf lesson. Welcomed into the community of Warm Current, a surf camp for Indigenous youth, volunteer Polly Yen spreads the surf stoke and teaches Alison to read the energy of the waves.

Healing Powers of Water

S2 E6 / 8m 24s / TV-PG

Fear of water is common for many BIPOC due to racism and generational trauma. Alison meets with Chandrika Francis, who teaches a new approach to swimming based not in competition but in building a relationship with the water that is relaxing, playful and healing.

Embodying a Legacy

S2 E5 / 8m 46s / TV-PG

Alison meets with Geordan Newbill, president of Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle, and takes her first horseback riding lesson with Jerome Young, a Black rancher and owner of Legends Ranch. Alison learns the forgotten history of Black riders and how the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle are working to inspire the next generation of riders.

Home Away From Home

S2 E4 / 8m 51s

Sleeping outside conjures up words like uncomfortable, cold, and unsettling. Alison heads to Lake Timothy for her first camping trip with Lestarya Molloy, who breaks the negative associations of camping outdoors and teaches her how to create a home away from home in the forests of Mount Hood.

Anchor to Your Soul

S2 E3 / 7m 55s

Alison takes a walk with birdwatcher Armand Lucas in Seward Park. Keeping their eyes and ears out for birds, Armand shows Alison the beauty and peace that comes with just being out in nature. From bald eagle nests to wigeon ducks, Armand shows why birdwatching is America’s most popular pastime.

Giving an Edge

S2 E2 / 8m 16s / TV-PG

It’s winter and Alison is ready to play in the snow. Annette Diggs, a microbiologist on weekdays and ski instructor and paraglider on weekends, guides Alison on how to ease into downhill skiing in beautiful Stevens Pass. As the edge of their skis cut through powdered snow, Annette shares her experience carving a path for BIPOC youth in this winter sport.

Fearless Leaders

S2 E1 / 8m 34s

Welcome back! Alison catches up with Aaliyah Earvin, founder of the North of Seattle Run Club, about their adventures around the Pacific Northwest and beyond. They share stories of their destined friendship but also how they’ve become leaders and role models, creating community and making space for their children and other BIPOC people in the outdoors.

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